A wave of speculation surrounding the compatibility of Tencent's WeChat with Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 has created a storm of online debate, particularly across Chinese social media platforms. Trending hashtags such as #AppleRespondsToiPhone16NotSupportingWeChat and #WhatIfAppleRemovesWeChat have garnered millions of views and sparked widespread concern among users.
The speculation began with reports suggesting that the iPhone 16, which is set to launch next week, might not support WeChat, a critical app for many in China that integrates messaging, social networking, and mobile payments into a single platform. The rumors warned users against updating to the new iOS 18.2, citing potential incompatibility issues. However, both Apple and Tencent have swiftly dismissed these claims as unfounded.
According to a statement from Apple, "WeChat is one of the most popular apps among our customers. There's currently no information indicating that iPhone 16 will restrict access to previously available apps like WeChat." Apple's customer service confirmed that they have not received any official notification suggesting that WeChat would be removed from their app store.
Tencent also refuted the rumors, with a spokesperson stating, "We haven't received any information about this issue." The company's statement was corroborated by local media sources, including Yicai and Zhengguan News, which reported that both Apple and Tencent had not been informed of any compatibility issues between the new iPhone model and WeChat.
The speculation appears to be fueled by concerns over Apple's so-called "Apple Tax," the 30% commission Apple imposes on in-app purchases. There have been unverified claims that Apple's new policies might force Tencent to close payment loopholes, affecting WeChat's functionality. An Apple technical advisor mentioned that while discussions about revenue shares are ongoing, there is no indication that WeChat will be impacted. "For updates on WeChat's availability, users should rely on official announcements," the advisor stated.
The iPhone 16 series, which will be unveiled on September 10, is anticipated to showcase Apple's advanced AI features. The new models will fully integrate Apple Intelligence, a significant upgrade from the capabilities available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, making them the first true AI smartphones from Apple.
In the context of the broader tech landscape, the rumor has stirred significant discussion about the economic implications of app store revenue shares. Tencent, which has faced pressure over its mini-game ecosystem, hopes to negotiate terms that are fair and sustainable. A Tencent executive explained, "There is a natural tension between the gaming or digital content industry and app stores due to the high revenue share of up to 30% imposed by app stores for games and similar forms of digital content."
The "Apple Tax" has been a point of contention in the tech industry, with some arguing that the 30% cut is excessive compared to other platforms. While this revenue split is standard among mobile app stores, it has led to friction between major tech companies and developers.
The timing of these rumors also coincides with Huawei's announcement of its own product launch event on September 10, raising speculation that the rumors might be a strategic maneuver by competitors. As Apple and Tencent continue their discussions, the tech community is watching closely to see how the situation evolves.
For now, users are advised to rely on official sources for accurate information about app compatibility and future updates. With both Apple and Tencent dismissing the rumors, the focus remains on the upcoming iPhone 16 launch and the broader implications for the tech industry's economic dynamics.
