The "Payment War" Between Apple and WeChat: A Battle of Interests, Who Will Ultimately Win?

The "Payment War" Between Apple and WeChat: A Battle of Interests, Who Will Ultimately Win?Recently, the "payment war" between WeChat and Apple has attracted widespread attention. The focus of this game lies in Apple's "Apple Tax" policy on WeChat Mini Programs and WeChat's countermeasures

The "Payment War" Between Apple and WeChat: A Battle of Interests, Who Will Ultimately Win?

Recently, the "payment war" between WeChat and Apple has attracted widespread attention. The focus of this game lies in Apple's "Apple Tax" policy on WeChat Mini Programs and WeChat's countermeasures. How will this battle end? Let's delve into the ins and outs of the event.

Event Review: Apple "Pressures" WeChat, WeChat Mini Programs May Face "Transformation"

On September 2nd, the hashtag AppleWeChat topped Weibo's trending list, sparking public interest in the relationship between WeChat and Apple. Reportedly, Apple has demanded Tencent fix a "payment loophole" in the WeChat app that avoids Apple's commission, threatening to reject WeChat's update from being listed. It is said that Apple is intensifying its "pressure" on Tencent, demanding a "fundamental change" to its application.

Apple believes that creators on the WeChat platform are using the "loophole" to direct users to external payment systems, thereby avoiding Apple's usual 30% commission. Tencent executives, however, claim WeChat does not charge for mini-games on iOS and hope to achieve a win-win-win outcome with Apple and developers regarding the "Apple Tax".

Attitudes of All Parties: Apple Insists on "Apple Tax", Tencent Seeks "Win-Win-Win", Users Stuck in a "Choose One" Dilemma?

In response to Apple's "pressure", Tencent has stated it will make adjustments but refuses to disable the in-game chat function between developers and players. This has led some WeChat users to worry about a potential "choose one or the other" situation between Apple and WeChat in the future.

However, Apple's official customer service responded by stating that "there is no such information saying that the iPhone 16 does not support WeChat" and that "there's no need to worry, current iPhone models can all use WeChat normally." Additionally, there is no indication on the Apple website suggesting that any iPhone model does not support or is incompatible with WeChat.

Event Analysis: The Rapid Development of Mini Programs Conflicts with Apple's Interests

Since its launch, WeChat Mini Programs have quickly become ubiquitous in shopping, entertainment, and other areas due to their convenience and extensive functionality, attracting a large user base. However, the rapid development of Mini Programs has caused Apple to worry about its own interests, particularly the "Apple Tax" issue.

It is understood that most payments or services completed through WeChat are exempt from Apple's fees. Still, the WeChat app's content and other online entertainment (such as mini-games) require a revenue share payment to Apple. With the explosive popularity of WeChat Mini Program mini-games, developers have begun to monetize by selling in-game items, circumventing the Apple payment system to increase their meager profits.

After detecting these "loopholes", Apple attempted to block web links for WeChat Mini Program developers and demanded that Tencent disable the in-game chat function between developers and players because chat could also provide links for alternative payment.

Future Direction: Both Sides in a Game of Strategy, Seeking Solutions

Currently, Apple and Tencent are actively communicating to confirm whether Tencent will continue to pay Apple a share of the revenue from software downloads on the Apple App Store. As software products with a massive user base and mobile products with highly sticky users, WeChat and iPhones should avoid a lose-lose situation.

The most likely scenario is that both sides reach a compromise agreement after negotiations to maximize their interests. This could mean adjustments to WeChat Mini Programs to align with Apple's policies or concessions from Apple on the "Apple Tax".

Historical Perspective: Apple's "Game of Strategy" with Developers is Not New

It's worth noting that this "game of strategy" between Apple and developers is not new. Back in 2019, Epic Games, unhappy with Apple's 30% commission, removed its popular game "Fortnite" from the Apple App Store. Eventually, Epic decided to sue Apple, and this lawsuit continues to this day.

Conclusion: The Game of Interests, Users Need to Pay Attention

The "payment war" between WeChat and Apple is essentially a game of interests. Both sides are striving to protect their interests and seek the best possible solution. The outcome of this game will have a profound impact on WeChat, Apple, and users.

As users, we need to pay attention to the direction of this game and view related information rationally. After all, we are the ones who will ultimately be affected. Hopefully, both sides can reach a consensus based on fairness and justice, providing users with better services.