Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple, Tencent Reach Reported Deal for 15% Cut on WeChat Mini‑App Payments

Reports say the fee could yield billions in new revenue for Apple within China’s dominant superapp.

Overview

  • Bloomberg reports that Apple will handle payments across WeChat mini games and apps and collect a 15% commission on digital purchases.
  • Tencent will shut down external‑payment workarounds, and participating mini‑app developers must meet Apple’s software requirements, including a parental age‑range tool.
  • Tencent president Martin Lau acknowledged ongoing collaboration with Apple on the mini‑game ecosystem during the company’s earnings call without disclosing terms.
  • WeChat mini‑games generated about $4.5 billion for Tencent in the September quarter, highlighting the scale of transactions Apple could access.
  • The reported pact coincides with continuing scrutiny of in‑app payment rules in China, with a recent antitrust complaint filed and no formal investigation announced.