Apple(US:AAPL) 36氪·2025-11-19 13:31Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent agreement between Apple and Tencent regarding the revenue sharing of WeChat mini-programs, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over Apple's App Store commission, often referred to as the "Apple Tax" [5][6][19]. Group 1: Apple and Tencent Agreement - Apple and Tencent have reached an agreement where WeChat mini-program developers will be included in Apple's payment system, allowing iPhone users to make purchases through a familiar iOS interface [5][6]. - As part of the agreement, Tencent has accepted Apple's commission on WeChat mini-programs, while Apple has reduced its standard commission from 30% to 15% for these transactions [6][18]. - This agreement reflects a compromise that allows Apple to continue generating significant revenue from services amid stagnating hardware profits [7][30]. Group 2: Financial Implications - In 2023, Apple's "Apple Tax" generated approximately $22.34 billion (about 158.8 billion RMB) globally, indicating the substantial revenue potential from app commissions [13]. - The report titled "Apple Ecosystem in China" suggested that Apple's App Store ecosystem generated sales of 3.763 trillion RMB in China, with digital goods and services accounting for less than 4% of this total [13][15]. - The estimated commission Apple collected in China exceeded 40 billion RMB, comparable to BYD's total profit for the previous year [15]. Group 3: Broader Context of Apple's Revenue Model - Apple's revenue model has shifted towards software services as hardware growth has stagnated, with service revenue increasingly contributing to overall profits [30][32]. - The gross margin for software services has risen from 55% to 75% since 2016, highlighting the profitability of this segment compared to hardware, which has remained around 35% [45]. - As of September 2023, services accounted for 42% of Apple's net profit, surpassing the iPhone's contribution of 41% for the first time [47]. Group 4: Regulatory and Competitive Landscape - Apple faces increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding its App Store practices, particularly from the European Union, which has mandated changes to its commission structure [26][27]. - The ongoing legal battle with Epic Games has highlighted the tensions surrounding Apple's payment policies, culminating in a court ruling that allowed Epic's return to the iOS platform after a five-year dispute [25][29]. - The agreement with Tencent may reflect Apple's need to adapt to external pressures and maintain its revenue streams in a challenging market environment [29][30].