2025-11-14 07:02:31
Apple and Tencent have reportedly reached a landmark agreement that will see Apple take a 15 per cent cut on in-app purchases made within WeChat mini games and apps on iPhone.
According to Bloomberg, the deal ends more than a year of tense discussions over payment compliance.
Apple has reportedly been pressuring Tencent to close long-standing loopholes that allowed developers to direct users to external payment methods, bypassing the App Store’s standard 30 per cent commission.
Under the new framework, Apple will process payments directly and collect half its usual fee, gaining access to one of China’s fastest-growing digital ecosystems.
To participate, Tencent’s developers must adopt certain Apple software requirements, including features that help parents confirm a child’s age range – a sign Apple is tying the deal to its broader compliance and safety efforts.
The agreement marks a significant strategic win for Apple in China.
WeChat mini games – entirely contained within the messaging super-app – have exploded in popularity, contributing ¥32.3 billion (about $4.5 billion) to Tencent’s social network revenue last quarter.
With WeChat boasting 1.41 billion monthly users, the move gives Apple a foothold in a market segment it previously earned nothing from.
The 15 per cent fee also aligns with Apple’s wider global shift toward more flexible commission structures amid regulatory pressure and developer pushback.
The company has already introduced reduced fees for small developers, subscriptions after one year, and alternative payment allowances in some regions.
For Tencent, the deal offers “economically sustainable” terms after years of navigating regulatory scrutiny and platform negotiations.
For Apple, meanwhile, it could pave the way for similar revenue-sharing arrangements across China’s massive app ecosystems – setting a precedent that both companies may look to expand in the months ahead.
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