Apple Inc.'s iPhones will use Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s AI technology, the Chinese firm's chairman said, affirming reports the e-commerce pioneer had scored a coveted role in helping power the iPhone in the world's top mobile arena.

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 will work with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to roll out AI services in the world’s biggest market for mobile phones, in a move that removes months of uncertainty for the Cupertino-based firm.