Alibaba will partner with Apple to support iPhones' AI services offering in China, its chairman said on Thursday, a move likely to help the U.S. company ease falling smartphone sales in its key market.

Apple Inc.’s iPhones will use Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s artificial intelligence technology in China, the Chinese firm’s chairman said, affirming reports that the e-commerce pioneer had scored a coveted role in helping power the iPhone.

Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai reportedly says that the Chinese tech giant is partnering with Apple to add its artificial intelligence features for its iPhones in China.