3 6 Ke·2025-11-21 11:06Core Insights - Tencent and Apple have reached a significant agreement after over a year of negotiations, ending a long-standing conflict over payment commissions for mini-programs on the App Store [2][3] - Apple will implement a Mini App Partner Program, allowing developers to pay a reduced commission of 15% on in-app purchases, which is half of the standard 30% rate in the Chinese market [2][4][12] - This resolution reflects a shift towards collaboration rather than competition, highlighting the importance of mutual benefits in the business landscape [2][12] Group 1: Background of the Conflict - The "Apple Tax" began in July 2008 when Apple started charging a 30% commission on digital goods sold through the App Store [6] - Disagreements arose in 2017 when Apple classified "public account rewards" as in-app purchases, leading to a temporary removal of the feature from WeChat [6][12] - The growth of WeChat's mini-programs and games attracted Apple's attention, with the market for mini-program games projected to reach approximately 39.84 billion yuan in 2024, a 99.18% increase year-on-year [7][12] Group 2: Financial Implications - Apple's recent financial performance shows a recovery, with Q4 2025 revenue reaching $102.466 billion, an 8% year-on-year increase, and net profit rising by 86% [14] - The services segment, which includes App Store revenues, has become increasingly important, accounting for 42% of Apple's net profit, surpassing iPhone sales [14] - Tencent, which previously did not charge for iOS mini-programs, is now positioned to benefit from the new agreement, potentially increasing its revenue from in-app purchases [15] Group 3: Strategic Considerations - Both companies are looking to integrate AI capabilities into their ecosystems, aiming to become the primary entry points for users in the AI era [16][18] - The collaboration between Tencent and Apple is seen as a strategic move to break down barriers between different applications and platforms, enhancing user experience and developer opportunities [20] - The partnership is expected to lead to a more transparent and regulated mini-program ecosystem, improving transaction data management and user safety [15][20]