An artificial intelligence algorithm model obtaining method and an apparatus, to select an appropriate artificial intelligence algorithm model for data, and may be used in various communication systems. The method includes: A network device determines N artificial intelligence algorithm models in M artificial intelligence algorithm models based on data feature information and M pieces of model feature information, and sends, to a terminal device, configuration information corresponding to at least one of the N artificial intelligence algorithm models, where the M pieces of model feature information correspond one-to-one to the M artificial intelligence algorithm models, the N artificial intelligence algorithm models are more suitable for processing data than remaining (M-N) artificial intelligence algorithm models of the M artificial intelligence algorithm models, an i th piece of model feature information in the M pieces of model feature information includes a feature of an i th artificial intelligence algorithm model, and the data feature information includes a feature of first data.