Apple Strikes Deal With Tencent for 15% Cut of WeChat Mini-Game Revenue [Report]

Apple has reportedly reached an agreement with Tencent to begin charging a commission on purchases made within WeChat mini-games, resolving a dispute over payment loopholes in China's most popular app. The agreement will have Apple handle payments for purchases made across WeChat's ecosystem of lightweight games and apps.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will take a 15 percent cut of these transactions, a rate significantly lower than its standard 30 percent App Store fee. In exchange, Tencent will close the loopholes that developers have used to direct users toward external payment systems, a practice that allowed them to bypass Apple's billing infrastructure completely.

To participate, developers will need to adopt specific Apple software standards. Sources familiar with the matter say this includes requirements like implementing a tool that helps parents share their child's age range.


Tencent President Martin Lau confirmed the ongoing collaboration during an earnings call on Thursday, though he stopped short of detailing the financial terms. "We have been in discussion with Apple to make the mini game ecosystem more vibrant," Lau said. "At some point in time, there may be an official announcement."

The agreement opens a major new revenue stream for Apple's services division. WeChat mini-games—which run entirely within the messaging app without requiring a separate download—generated approximately $4.5 billion in revenue for Tencent in the September quarter alone. Previously, Apple received no income from these sales.

The compromise comes as Apple faces increasing pressure in its third-largest market. The company is dealing with stiff competition from local rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi, as well as regulatory scrutiny. Just last month, a group of consumers filed a fresh antitrust complaint with China's market regulator, accusing Apple of abusing its dominance by restricting app distribution and charging excessive commissions.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.