Apple Approves Latest WeChat Version for iPhone 16, Negotiations Over In-App Purchase Fees Continue

Apple Approves Latest WeChat Version for iPhone 16, Negotiations Over In-App Purchase Fees ContinueIT Home, September 6th: According to a report by Bloomberg today, Apple has approved the latest version of Tencent Holdings' WeChat app for the upcoming iPhone 16 series, buying more time for the companies' ongoing negotiations over in-app purchase fees.Sources say Apple approved the iOS WeChat update this week, which features optimizations to its Moments and live streaming features

Apple Approves Latest WeChat Version for iPhone 16, Negotiations Over In-App Purchase Fees Continue

IT Home, September 6th: According to a report by Bloomberg today, Apple has approved the latest version of Tencent Holdings' WeChat app for the upcoming iPhone 16 series, buying more time for the companies' ongoing negotiations over in-app purchase fees.

Sources say Apple approved the iOS WeChat update this week, which features optimizations to its Moments and live streaming features. This decision has the potential to quell speculation in the Chinese market about an escalation in the dispute between Apple and Tencent over app store fees.

The point of contention is the WeChat mini-game platform. Reports suggest that Apple has demanded Tencent block external payment links within mini-games and prevent developers from using the platform's built-in messaging feature to guide users to other payment channels, ensuring that Apple can collect its 30% cut. Apple also requested that Tencent completely disable in-game messaging, but Tencent refused this request, arguing it was too extreme.

Sources say Tencent is still discussing potential solutions for future updates with Apple. Apple representatives declined to comment, while Tencent did not respond to inquiries sent via email.

As previously reported by IT Home, in response to the "Apple Tax," Tencent management addressed the issue during the Q2 2024 earnings call in August, saying: "Currently, we haven't monetized WeChat Mini Programs on iOS through in-app purchases. I think if this monetization could be achieved, it would not only be in our interest but also in Apple's interest, and in the interest of game developers and users. However, we hope to achieve this under economically sustainable and fair conditions. Therefore, this discussion is ongoing, and we hope to achieve a positive outcome, as this would be a win-win-win situation."

Apple's approval of the latest WeChat version for the iPhone 16 series signifies that negotiations between the two companies regarding in-app purchase fees are ongoing and have made some progress. Tencent appears to also be looking for a solution that balances the interests of all parties, ultimately enabling the monetization of mini-programs on the iOS platform.

This event has also sparked speculation about the future of cooperation between Apple and Tencent. As mobile internet rapidly develops, in-app purchase fees have become an unavoidable point of contention between various platforms. Apple, as a mobile operating system giant, has consistently faced controversy over its app store policies. Tencent, as the operator of WeChat, possesses a vast user base and has its own demands regarding in-app purchases.

Whether Apple and Tencent can find a mutually acceptable solution remains a point of focus for the future.