Apple’s new 15% mini-app deal finally gets Tencent to cut Cupertino in

Steven

Apple’s new 15% mini-app deal finally gets Tencent to cut Cupertino in

Summary

Apple has agreed to take a 15% commission on purchases made inside mini-apps hosted within other iOS apps and has struck a parallel deal with Tencent so WeChat’s mini-program ecosystem now falls inside Apple’s revenue net. The move closes a loophole that previously allowed in-app transactions in WeChat mini apps to bypass the App Store cut.

Apple also launched a Mini Apps Partner Program enabling qualifying platform apps to keep 85% of in-app purchase revenue from mini apps. The programme requires use of web technologies (HTML5 and JavaScript) and specific age-declaration and commerce APIs.

Key Points

  • Apple will take 15% on purchases within mini apps; Tencent’s WeChat mini-programs are included under the deal.
  • WeChat mini apps generated 32.3 billion yuan (about $4.5bn) in the quarter to 30 Sept — Apple now claims a slice of that revenue.
  • The 15% rate aligns with Apple’s Small Business Programme rate, down from the standard 30% App Store commission.
  • The Mini Apps Partner Program requires age-declaration and commerce APIs and web tech (HTML5/JavaScript), and lets large apps act as platforms for mini apps under Apple’s oversight.
  • The change could accelerate mini-app and super-app models outside China and has wider implications for platform monetisation and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Content summary

The article describes how Apple closed a revenue loophole by cutting its mini-app commission to 15% and reaching an agreement with Tencent so WeChat’s mini-program ecosystem will share revenue with Apple. It gives the revenue scale involved, places the move against Apple’s earlier commission reductions and the long-running developer and regulatory battles (Epic, antitrust probes around the world), and flags the technical and policy requirements Apple imposes on mini-app hosts.

The piece also notes critics’ observations — for example the web-technology restriction echoes old debates about what languages and frameworks Apple allowed for iPhone apps — and suggests the Mini Apps Partner Program could help the mini-app model spread beyond markets like China and India.

Context and relevance

This is important for anyone involved in apps, payments, platform strategy or regulation. The deal alters how big platform apps monetise embedded mini apps on iOS, shifts where revenue flows, and may encourage super-app-style platforms to expand in markets traditionally dominated by standalone native apps. It also shows Apple continuing to adapt its rules under commercial pressure and regulatory attention worldwide.

Why should I read this?

Short and blunt: Apple just shut a loophole and got Tencent to pay. That changes who pockets cash when tiny apps inside big apps sell stuff. If you care about app economics, payments or platform strategy, this is worth a quick read — we saved you the slog and pulled the essentials out.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/11/15/apple_tencent_app_deal/