Apple and Tencent Finalize 15% Revenue Share for WeChat Mini App Spending on iOS

Apple and Tencent have successfully concluded a significant revenue-sharing agreement, establishing a 15% commission for Apple on purchases made within WeChat mini games and mini apps when processed through Apple’s iOS payment system. This resolution marks the end of a protracted dispute between the two tech giants over payment handling, with the agreement officially reported on November 13, 2025, following Apple's approval of a new version of WeChat for iOS.

Details of the New Fee Structure

Under the terms of the new agreement, Apple will receive 15% of the revenue generated from purchases within the popular WeChat mini game and mini app ecosystem on iOS devices. This figure represents a notable concession from Apple's previous stance, where it had sought its standard 30% App Store commission. For over a year, both companies engaged in negotiations, primarily focused on closing loopholes that allowed developers to circumvent Apple’s fees by directing users to external payment services. The 15% rate is a compromise that standardizes revenue collection for in-app purchases within WeChat’s expansive platform on Apple’s operating system.

WeChat mini games boast a massive user base, with over 500 million monthly active users globally, making this a critical area for both companies. Tencent’s mini games have been a significant revenue driver, with advertising from these games accounting for 15% of WeChat’s total ad revenue. In the second quarter alone, Tencent reported a robust 30% growth in gross receipts for mini games, with over 140 individual games each surpassing CNY10 million ($1.4 million) in receipts.

Market and Corporate Context

The finalization of this deal arrives at a pivotal time. Apple’s Q3 earnings had surpassed market expectations, yet the company faced challenges in the crucial Chinese market. Its market share in China saw a decline to 14% in Q2 2025, a decrease of 2 percentage points year-over-year. This agreement could prove instrumental in helping Apple regain traction in the region, offering new monetization avenues.

Official statements during the negotiation period underscored the importance of a mutually beneficial resolution. James Mitchell, Tencent's Chief Strategy Officer, previously confirmed ongoing discussions, emphasizing the goal for terms that were "economically sustainable and fair." He had expressed hope for a positive outcome, which has now materialized. On the day the agreement was announced, Apple shares experienced a slight rise of 0.2% in pre-market trading, although retail sentiment on Stocktwits was notably bearish for Apple at the time.

Implications and Ecosystem Shifts

The nature of WeChat mini games, which do not require downloads from a traditional app store, has historically presented a unique challenge to Apple’s standard App Store model. The new payment integration allows Apple to directly handle transactions, effectively closing the previous payment routing loopholes and standardizing the commission process.

Industry analysts suggest this deal could be seen as a win for developers, users, and both tech giants. For developers, a clear and lower commission structure might offer predictability, while users benefit from a more integrated payment experience within the WeChat ecosystem on iOS. The 15% fee, lower than Apple's typical 30% rate, sets a new precedent and may influence future negotiations with other major platforms operating within Apple’s ecosystem. This agreement is expected to have significant ripple effects across the mobile app and gaming landscape, reshaping strategies for monetization and platform integration.