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Apple has finally reached a rare deal with Tencent that could unlock a major new revenue stream inside China’s most popular app. WeChat has long operated as an all-in-one platform with built-in mini-apps and games, yet none of those transactions have passed through Apple’s App Store. As a result, Apple did not earn anything from purchases made by WeChat’s massive user base.
According to a new Bloomberg report, Tencent has now agreed to let Apple handle payments for WeChat’s mini apps and games in China. Apple will take a 15 percent cut from every in-app purchase. The companies have reportedly negotiated this arrangement for more than a year.
The new rate represents a concession from Apple, since developers normally pay a 30 percent fee. However, the opportunity is significant. WeChat serves 1.41 billion users each month, and the platform’s in-app economy generates enormous spending. Therefore, Apple could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars annually through this agreement.
The deal gives Apple fresh access to one of China’s most influential digital ecosystems. It also marks a rare moment where both companies gain something meaningful, even as the mobile app economy continues to shift.
