IN BRIEF |
|
| Apple | Approved an update of WeChat for iOS. |
| Tencent | Owner of WeChat and in discussions with Apple on application fees. |
| Update | Includes permission for mini-app developers to use links to external payment services. |
| Strained relationships | Despite the tensions, Apple continues to validate updates to WeChat. |
| Cyberpolice | Can now directly access the chat history and IP address of users of WeChat. |
| Apple tax | Apple seeks to impose a 30% commission on transactions made through WeChat. |
| New features | The latest update of WeChat includes minor new features. |
According to a Bloomberg News report, Apple recently approved an update to WeChat for the operating system iOS, submitted by Tencent. This validation comes in a context of tense relations between the two technological giants. Apple continues to put pressure on Tencent over the integration of links to external payment services, even as discussions over app fees, often referred to as the « Apple Tax », continue.
Apple recently validated a new application update WeChat of Tencent for its iOS ecosystem, despite ongoing tensions between the two giants over application fees. The approval comes as Apple continues its discussions to enforce its 30% commission on in-app payments, a measure that Tencent is actively seeking to circumvent.
Context of approval
According to a report from Bloomberg News, Apple has accepted the update that Tencent had submitted for WeChat on iOS. This occurs in a climate marked by tense relations between the two companies. Indeed, last May, Apple threatened to suspend WeChat updates if Tencent did not adhere to the rules imposed by the App Store, particularly regarding integrated payments.
Tensions over application fees
The “Apple Tax”
Apple seeks to impose what is commonly called “Apple tax”, a 30% commission on transactions made via applications available on the App Store. This policy has sparked heated discussions between Apple and Tencent, the latter having allowed developers of mini-apps on WeChat to include links to external payment services. To learn more about this topic, check out this article.
The new features of WeChat
The update recently approved by Apple brings several new features to WeChat. Although specific details of these new features are not yet fully revealed, users can expect security and performance improvements. However, this update also raises questions about access to the cyber police to the discussion history and IP addresses of users, concerns widely debated on specialized forums.
Impact on iOS users
With the imminent release ofiOS 18, Apple continues to highlight new ways to personalize the iPhone and interact with apps like Messages and Photos, as explained in a recent Apple press release. For more details on the new functions offered by iOS 18, you can visit the Apple official website.
Future prospects and challenges
Discussions between Apple and Tencent continue, and future decisions regarding app fees will have a significant impact on the app market. The two companies will likely continue to negotiate to find a compromise, while keeping in mind the interests of WeChat’s millions of users and the many app developers who rely on the iOS platform.
For detailed, real-time information on developments in this situation, check our site regularly and look out for upcoming updates regarding the relationship between Apple and Tencent.
Apple approves WeChat update despite tensions over app fees
| Element | Detail |
| Company | Apple |
| Application | |
| Owner | Tencent |
| Operating system | iOS |
| Update | Validated |
| New features | Links to external payments |
| Problems | Tensions on the “Apple tax” |
| Threat | Suspending updates |
| Cyberpolice | Access to chat history |
- Strained relationships: Apple and Tencent have a relationship marked by differences over app fees.
- New Update: Apple has validated the WeChat update submitted by Tencent, including new features.
- External payments: WeChat now allows developers to integrate links to external payment services.
- Apple tax: Apple is looking to impose a 30% commission on payments made via WeChat.
- Cyberpolice: The update raises concerns over Chinese cyber police’s access to chat history and IP addresses.
- iOS 17 Background: The system contains new options for online payments and markets, especially for users in the EU.