iPhone 16 Won't Work with WeChat? Apple and WeChat's "Apple Tax" Battle Heats Up

iPhone 16 Won't Work with WeChat? Apple and WeChat's "Apple Tax" Battle Heats UpOn the afternoon of September 6th, WeChat's iOS system received an update, bringing the latest version to 8.0

iPhone 16 Won't Work with WeChat? Apple and WeChat's "Apple Tax" Battle Heats Up

On the afternoon of September 6th, WeChat's iOS system received an update, bringing the latest version to 8.0.51. The update information stated that it "fixed some known issues." Just a few days earlier, on the evening of September 2nd, a rumor about "iPhone 16 possibly not supporting WeChat" spread rapidly online, with related topics even trending on Weibo. The rumor claimed that once iPhones are upgraded to iOS 18.2, they would be unable to use WeChat.

Informed sources and Apple's technical advisors in China have denied this rumor. The tech advisor stated that third-party claims about whether iOS or Apple devices can continue to use WeChat, including whether WeChat will continue to be available for download on the Apple App Store, require communication and discussion between Apple and Tencent to determine. He emphasized that Apple is actively communicating with Tencent to confirm whether they will continue to pay Apple a commission for software downloads on the App Store.

The root of this rumor can be traced back to the previously highly-discussed "Apple Tax." In its second-quarter earnings call, Tencent publicly acknowledged for the first time that it's negotiating with Apple about revenue sharing for WeChat mini-games. Currently, in-app purchase revenue generated by mini-games, including those on WeChat and Douyin, is not integrated with Apple's own payment channels like games downloaded from the App Store. The rapidly developing mini-game market in China is one that Apple can't ignore.

Previously, there were reports that Apple was increasing pressure on Chinese tech giants like Tencent and ByteDance, demanding they stop creators from circumventing Apple's 30% commission through in-app features. Notably, Apple has faced similar battles with other companies and regions around the world regarding the "Apple Tax."

The battle for profit between WeChat and Apple is now impossible to ignore. Informed sources told reporters that negotiations between WeChat and Apple regarding the "Apple Tax" are still ongoing and have not yet reached a "deal." This latest version update might offer both parties more time for negotiations.

On the other hand, China is a crucial market for Apple. However, the latest financial report shows that Apple's Greater China revenue has declined by 6.5% year-over-year to $14.73 billion, the only region experiencing a decline among Apple's geographic market segments. As Apple is set to release the iPhone 16 and a series of other new products next Monday, Apple also needs to be mindful of Chinese consumer sentiments at this critical point for new product launches.

For now, consumers probably shouldn't worry about iPhone 16 not being able to use WeChat. However, this battle surrounding the "Apple Tax" continues. How both sides will ultimately compromise remains to be seen.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the article:

1. Origin and Denial of the Rumor:

The article begins with the rumor of "iPhone 16 possibly not supporting WeChat" as a starting point, quickly introducing the denial from informed sources and Apple's technical advisor, creating suspense and curiosity for the reader.

2. The Background of the "Apple Tax":

The article delves into the origin of the "Apple Tax," pointing out that it stems from the revenue sharing issue surrounding WeChat mini-games. Tencent's public acknowledgment of negotiations with Apple highlights the conflict of interest between the two parties on this issue.

3. Apple's Pressure and Global-Scale Battles:

The article further points out the pressure Apple is putting on Tencent and ByteDance, as well as the global-scale battles surrounding the "Apple Tax," showcasing Apple's dominant position in the global market and its commitment to its revenue sharing model.

4. Negotiations and Profit Battle Between WeChat and Apple:

The article emphasizes that negotiations between WeChat and Apple are still ongoing, analyzing the profit battle between the two and the potential impact of this version update on their negotiations.

5. Challenges Faced by Apple in the Chinese Market:

The article mentions the decline in Apple's Greater China revenue and the upcoming release of new products. It emphasizes the need for Apple to be mindful of Chinese consumer sentiments, hinting at the complexities of this battle.

6. Conclusion and Outlook:

The article concludes by emphasizing that consumers shouldn't worry about iPhone 16 not being able to use WeChat, but also reminds readers that the battle surrounding the "Apple Tax" continues, and future compromises between the two sides remain to be seen.

The article is written in an objective and neutral style, citing multiple sources to enhance credibility. The structure is clear, the logic is rigorous, and the use of a step-by-step approach draws the reader into the complex scenario of the "Apple Tax" battle.