Core Viewpoint - Tencent has reached an agreement with Apple, where Apple will handle payments for WeChat mini-games and apps, taking a 15% cut from the revenue generated [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement allows Apple to process payments for WeChat mini-games, marking a significant collaboration between Tencent and Apple [1]. - Tencent executives confirmed the ongoing positive relationship and collaboration with Apple during a recent earnings call, indicating a constructive attitude towards the progress of the mini-game ecosystem [2]. Group 2: Revenue Sharing Structure - Apple traditionally charges a 30% commission on in-app purchases for apps generating over $1 million annually, while a 15% cut applies to smaller developers [3]. - The "Apple tax" generated approximately $22.34 billion globally in 2023, with over 40 billion yuan coming from China alone [3]. Group 3: Tencent's Financial Performance - Tencent reported a revenue of 192.87 billion yuan for Q3, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth, and a net profit of 63.13 billion yuan, up 19% year-on-year [4].

据分析，达成协议之后，一方面为苹果开辟了新的收入来源，另一方面也减轻了腾讯所面临的压力。苹 果此前要求腾讯堵上漏洞——一些应用开发者利用这些漏洞，把用户引导到外部支付系统，从而绕过 iPhone通常 30%抽成 的规则。 所谓"苹果税"，是指苹果对App Store上所有应用的数字内容消费抽取15%～30%的佣金。每当苹果用户 通过苹果手机应用商店付费下载App或在App内部购买数字商品/服务时，苹果公司会扣留交易金额的一 部分作为"过路费"，再将剩下的转给相应的App开发者。 据中国基金报11月13日消息，据悉，苹果和腾讯敲定微信游戏15%的抽成协议。今后在微信小游戏和小 程序中的支付将由苹果来处理，苹果并从中抽取 15%的分成 。 对此，腾讯管理层表示，腾讯与苹果一 直在不同领域展开良好的合作和沟通，"到目前为止，我们会保持建设性的态度，等待事态的发展。" （原标题：苹果将从微信小游戏中抽成15%？腾讯回应） ...

腾讯去年8月曾披露，正在与苹果沟通，让苹果在iPhone端的小游戏和应用销售中分成，但前提条件是 要"在经济上可持续"，且足够公平。尤其是小游戏的受欢迎程度一直在稳步提升，而在此前双方没有协 议的情况下，苹果并未从相关消费中获得任何收入。 对此，腾讯管理层表示，腾讯与苹果一直在不同领域展开良好的合作和沟通，"到目前为止，我们会保 持建设性的态度，等待事态的发展。" 据分析，达成协议之后，一方面为苹果开辟了新的收入来源，另一方面也减轻了腾讯所面临的压力。苹 果此前要求腾讯堵上漏洞——一些应用开发者利用这些漏洞，把用户引导到外部支付系统，从而绕过 iPhone通常30%抽成的规则。 所谓"苹果税"，是指苹果对App Store上所有应用的数字内容消费抽取15%～30%的佣金。每当苹果用户 通过苹果手机应用商店付费下载App或在App内部购买数字商品/服务时，苹果公司会扣留交易金额的一 部分作为"过路费"，再将剩下的转给相应的App开发者。 在这笔跟腾讯的最新协议中，苹果抽取15%的分成，只有其对多数学内购开发者通常收费的一半，但得 以在中国一个不断增长的娱乐平台中站稳脚跟。小游戏完全运行在微信生态之内——微信目前 ...

Core Viewpoint - Apple and Tencent have reached an agreement where Apple will take a 15% cut from payments made within WeChat mini-games and mini-programs, marking a significant development in their partnership and providing Apple with a new revenue stream while alleviating pressure on Tencent [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement allows Apple to process payments for WeChat mini-games, taking a 15% commission, which is half of the typical 30% fee Apple charges for most in-app purchases [2]. - This deal is seen as a way for Apple to establish a foothold in China's growing entertainment platform, where WeChat has 1.41 billion monthly users [2]. - Prior to this agreement, Apple did not earn any revenue from mini-game transactions, as developers were circumventing the standard payment system [2]. Group 2: Tencent's Financial Performance - Tencent reported a revenue of 192.87 billion yuan for Q3 2025, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth [3]. - The operating profit for Tencent during the same period was approximately 63.55 billion yuan, up 19% year-on-year [3]. - Tencent's net profit attributable to equity holders was about 63.13 billion yuan, also showing a 19% increase year-on-year [3].

腾讯已与苹果达成一项协议，该协议规定苹果将处理支付，并从微信小游戏和应用内的购买中抽取15%的分成。两位科技巨头之间谈判已超过一年。苹果此前一直要求腾讯堵上被应用开发者将用户引导至外部支付系统的漏洞，从而规避30%的“苹果税”。近年来，苹果在多个司法管辖区采取了措施，要么降低30%的应用内购费用，允许订阅等项目的豁免，要么向替代支付处理服务开放设备。外汇交易员 (@myfxtrader):据彭博社消息，苹果据悉就中国市场的应用内购问题向腾讯与字节跳动施压，要求填补漏洞。目前腾讯与字节跳动的应用内开发者利用漏洞将用户引向外部支付系统，从而规避30%的“苹果税”。知情人士称，苹果在今年5月与6月分别警告微信与抖音，拒绝新版本在App Store上上架，除非修补漏洞。 ...

Core Insights - Apple's "walled garden" business model, which includes hardware barriers, locked systems, and a 30% commission from the App Store, is facing significant challenges in China due to consumer backlash and potential regulatory changes [1][2] - The ongoing debate over Apple's commission structure highlights broader issues of market fairness and competition, particularly as other regions move towards reducing or eliminating such fees [1][2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - A coalition of 55 consumers has submitted a complaint against Apple, questioning the fairness of its 30% commission in China, which is considered the highest globally [1] - Other countries are moving towards reducing Apple's commission to as low as 0% by 2025, raising questions about whether China's current rate constitutes "unfair high pricing" under Chinese antitrust laws [1] Group 2: Regulatory Implications - Should regulatory bodies take action, Apple may be required to disclose critical information regarding its global cost structure, regional differences, and contract templates [2] - The controversy surrounding the "Apple tax" is not merely about pricing but also about the impact on local content and service competitiveness, as high commissions lead to increased app prices for consumers [2] Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - Apple is encouraged to proactively reform its commission structure in China, potentially using it as a model for global fee adjustments, which could enhance user trust and expand its customer base [2] - In an era where hardware growth is plateauing, sustainable service revenue growth for Apple will depend on regulatory compliance and building user trust [2]

Core Viewpoint - A group of 55 Chinese consumers has filed a complaint against Apple, accusing the company of abusing its market dominance by restricting payment channels and charging high commissions, which they argue undermines consumer choice and fair trade in China [1][4]. Group 1: Complaint Details - The complaint requests that Apple open third-party payment channels beyond In-App Purchase (IAP) for Chinese consumers without charging any commissions [4]. - It also demands that Apple allow access to iOS applications from sources other than the App Store, again without any associated fees [4]. - Additionally, the complaint calls for a reduction in the commission rate for in-app purchases to be lower than the most favorable rates in other countries [4]. Group 2: Context of Apple's Market Practices - The term "Apple Tax" refers to the 10%-30% commission Apple charges developers for transactions made through its App Store, which has drawn criticism globally [6]. - The European Union has previously investigated Apple for its App Store commission policies, leading to significant fines and rulings against the company [6][7]. - Other countries, including Japan and Australia, have also initiated investigations or legal actions against Apple for similar anti-competitive practices [8].

Core Viewpoint - A group of 55 Chinese consumers has submitted a complaint to the State Administration for Market Regulation, accusing Apple Inc. of abusing its market dominance in China through practices such as forced transactions, bundling, and charging "unfairly high prices," which harm the legitimate rights of Chinese consumers [1][2]. Group 1: Complaint Details - The complaint requests the regulatory authority to investigate Apple's alleged monopolistic behaviors, including limiting transactions and bundling, which forces Chinese consumers to use Apple's In-App Purchase (IAP) system for digital goods and services [2][3]. - The complaint also highlights that Apple charges up to 30% commission on IAP transactions, which is considered an unfair pricing practice [4]. Group 2: Specific Demands - The consumers demand that Apple be ordered to open third-party payment channels to Chinese consumers, allowing developers to guide consumers to any third-party platform for purchases without charging any commission [5]. - They also request that Apple allow access to iOS applications outside of the App Store, including third-party app stores and web sideloading, without imposing any fees [5]. Group 3: Market Discrimination - The complaint argues that Chinese consumers face national discrimination, as they are unable to use third-party payment channels and app stores, unlike consumers in the US and EU [6][7]. - It is noted that the "Apple tax" burden on Chinese consumers is the highest globally, with a projected payment of $6.44 billion in 2024, surpassing Europe [9][18]. Group 4: Global Context - The complaint references legal actions taken against Apple in various countries, including Japan, Australia, and Colombia, which have also accused Apple of monopolistic practices [10][20]. - The complaint emphasizes that Apple has relaxed its policies in the US and EU but continues to enforce strict rules in China, leading to a significant disparity in commission rates and payment options [7][19]. Group 5: Financial Impact - The complaint calculates that the "Apple tax" constitutes 10% of Apple's revenue in China, compared to 8.8% in the US and only 4.6% in Europe, indicating a disproportionate financial burden on Chinese consumers [9][18]. - Predictions suggest that by 2026, the "Apple tax" in China could reach $8.1 billion, making it the highest globally, further highlighting the financial implications for Chinese consumers [19].

Core Viewpoint - A group of 55 Chinese consumers has submitted a complaint to the State Administration for Market Regulation, accusing Apple Inc. of abusing its market dominance in China through various monopolistic practices that harm consumer rights [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Apple - The complaint alleges that Apple forces Chinese consumers to use its In-App Purchase (IAP) system for digital goods and services, prohibits developers from directing consumers to alternative payment methods, and imposes unfairly high commissions of up to 30% [5][7]. - The core demands include an investigation into Apple's alleged illegal activities and a mandate to allow third-party payment channels and app stores in China [3][4]. Group 2: Specific Requests for Action - The consumers request that Apple be ordered to open third-party payment channels, allowing developers to guide consumers to external platforms without incurring any commission [8]. - They also demand that Apple permit access to iOS applications outside of the App Store, including third-party app stores and sideloading options, without charging any fees [9]. - Additionally, the complaint calls for a reduction in the commission rate for in-app purchases to be lower than the most favorable rates in other countries [10]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - The complaint highlights that Chinese consumers face "country-specific discrimination," as they are unable to access third-party payment options and are subjected to the highest commission rates globally [11][13]. - It cites recent legal developments in the U.S. and EU, where courts have mandated Apple to provide payment options and reduce commission rates, contrasting this with the situation in China [12][14]. Group 4: Financial Impact on Consumers - In 2024, Chinese consumers are projected to pay $6.44 billion in "Apple tax," second only to the U.S. at $14.8 billion, and surpassing Europe at $4.8 billion [15][30]. - The complaint calculates that the "Apple tax" constitutes 10% of Apple's revenue in China, compared to 8.8% in the U.S. and 4.6% in Europe, indicating a heavier burden on Chinese consumers [15][30]. Group 5: Global Legal Actions - The complaint notes that over ten countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, have initiated legal actions against Apple for similar monopolistic practices [18][31]. - Japan's Fair Trade Commission has announced plans to force Apple to open third-party transaction models by December 2025, marking a significant shift in the Asian market [19][31].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese market is poised to become the largest contributor to Apple's "Apple Tax" as the company faces regulatory challenges globally while maintaining standard commission rates in China, unlike the reduced rates in the US and EU [2][5][14]. Group 1: Apple's Financial Performance - Apple's total revenue for the third fiscal quarter of 2025 reached $94.04 billion, marking the strongest quarterly revenue growth since December 2021 [2]. - The services segment, including iCloud, Apple Music, and App Store, generated $27.42 billion, a 13% year-over-year increase, significantly exceeding market expectations [2]. - Services accounted for 25.6% of total revenue but contributed 41% to gross margin, with a gross margin of 75.5%, far surpassing the hardware business's 37% [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Challenges - Apple's "Apple Tax," a commission on digital goods and services sold through the App Store, is facing global scrutiny, with antitrust lawsuits initiated by the US Department of Justice and other countries [3][4]. - The company has begun implementing low or zero commission models in the US and EU, while maintaining standard rates in China [4][5]. - The EU has imposed significant fines on Apple for restricting developers from directing users to third-party payment options, with a €500 million fine issued in April 2025 [6][12]. Group 3: Market Dynamics in China - In 2024, China's App Store ecosystem is projected to generate $23 billion in sales, making it the second-largest market after the US [5][12]. - The estimated "Apple Tax" contribution from China in 2024 is $6.44 billion, second only to the US's $14.8 billion, indicating a higher relative burden in China compared to the US and Europe [14]. - By 2025, China's "Apple Tax" is expected to reach $7.2 billion, potentially surpassing the US and Europe by 2026, as the country maintains the highest commission rates globally [16][17]. Group 4: Legal Actions and Consumer Sentiment - In 2024, a landmark antitrust lawsuit was filed by consumers in China against Apple's in-app purchase policies, with the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court ruling against the plaintiffs [17]. - Another lawsuit was initiated by a small app developer in Beijing, alleging unfair monopolistic practices by Apple, which is currently awaiting judgment [18].