The Battle Over WeChat's "Mini Program Payments": A War Without Gunfire

The Battle Over WeChat's "Mini Program Payments": A War Without GunfireRecently, rumors have been circulating about whether the new iPhone 16 series will support WeChat, sparking widespread public concern. At the heart of this storm is a power struggle between Apple and Tencent regarding the commission on mini-program payments

The Battle Over WeChat's "Mini Program Payments": A War Without Gunfire

Recently, rumors have been circulating about whether the new iPhone 16 series will support WeChat, sparking widespread public concern. At the heart of this storm is a power struggle between Apple and Tencent regarding the commission on mini-program payments.

Apple's official customer service has stated that the new iPhones will not restrict users from using WeChat. iPhones currently running WeChat can continue to use it normally. Additionally, as long as WeChat remains available on the App Store, users of the new iPhone 16 series needn't worry about being unable to use it.

Tencent has denied the claims that the iPhone 16 series will not support WeChat, and has also labeled as a rumor the claim that WeChat will become unusable after upgrading to iOS 18.2.

From their responses, it seems that Apple and Tencent will not resort to extreme measures, as this would be detrimental to both parties.

The actual point of contention lies in their differing interpretations and approaches to mini-program payments. Apple believes that WeChat mini-programs bypass its payment channel by using external payment environments. Therefore, they are demanding that Tencent close this loophole and stop guiding users towards using external payment methods, thereby avoiding the 30% commission that Apple charges.

The root of this dispute lies in the vast size of the mobile payments market and the battle for its share. Apple seeks to control in-app payments through the App Store by charging high commissions, while Tencent aims to maintain the ecosystem of WeChat mini-programs and prevent any compromise in user experience.

How will this war without gunfire conclude? It seems that neither party will concede easily. Apple needs to protect its payment system, while Tencent needs to balance user experience with business interests. The future of this struggle will have profound implications for the mobile payments landscape.

Here are some key points of this debate:

• Apple's stance: Apple seeks to control in-app payments through the App Store and collect a 30% commission. Apple believes that WeChat mini-programs circumvent its payment channel and demands that Tencent close this loophole, stopping users from using external payment methods.

• Tencent's stance: Tencent seeks to maintain the WeChat mini-program ecosystem and ensure user experience remains unaffected. Tencent believes that mini-program payments offer a more convenient payment method that meets user needs.

• Focus of the debate: The core problem revolves around whether mini-program payments constitute in-app payments and if Apple has the right to demand Tencent disable external payment functionalities.

• Potential impact: This struggle will have a profound impact on the mobile payment landscape, potentially affecting user experience, developer interests, and industry development.

This debate has also triggered public reflection on mobile payments, platform control, and user privacy. In the future, balancing platform interests, user needs, and industry development will become crucial for the mobile payment industry's growth.

While the outcome of this debate remains unclear, it reflects the intensity of competition in the mobile payments arena, and the complex relationship between platform control and user experience. Future developments in this area warrant close attention.