WeChat to Enable Virtual Payments on iOS as Apple Lowers Commission to 15%

WeChat announced on Friday that its Mini Programs will soon support virtual payments on iOS devices, marking a major policy shift and opening new opportunities for developers and digital content providers in China. The change comes as Apple introduces its new Mini Program Partner Program, which lowers the commission rate for participating platforms to 15%, down from the standard rate historically applied to in-app virtual transactions.

For years, developers operating WeChat Mini Programs on iOS faced strict limitations on virtual payments because of Apple’s ecosystem rules. These restrictions prevented users from purchasing digital content or services directly within many Mini Programs, reducing revenue options for developers and creating a less convenient experience for iPhone users. The updated policy aims to address those long-standing concerns and remove friction points that hindered growth.

Under the new arrangement, developers will be able to integrate virtual payment features natively into their WeChat Mini Programs on iOS, allowing smoother in-app purchases ranging from digital content to value-added services. Industry analysts say the expansion will help enrich the Mini Program ecosystem and strengthen WeChat’s position as a core platform for everyday digital transactions in China.

Apple’s decision to introduce the Partner Program and lower its commission represents a strategic adjustment to better accommodate the Chinese market, one of the world’s largest consumer and mobile app ecosystems. By offering more flexible terms, Apple hopes to attract and retain influential platforms like WeChat while supporting greater innovation across China’s mobile economy.

For developers, the benefits go beyond reduced commissions. The new structure provides more predictable revenue-sharing conditions, making it easier for independent creators, small businesses, and large service providers to monetize digital offerings. As competition intensifies in the digital services and content sector, smoother payment channels and improved financial incentives could help attract new developers and accelerate user engagement on iOS.

WeChat, which already operates one of the country’s most extensive Mini Program ecosystems, is expected to see increased activity as these new capabilities roll out. Experts say the change could boost digital content consumption on iOS, particularly in areas such as education, entertainment, gaming, lifestyle services, and subscription-based products sectors that heavily rely on virtual payment integration.

The collaboration between Apple and WeChat highlights a broader shift toward balancing global platform rules with localized needs. As both companies adjust their strategies, users stand to benefit from greater convenience and a more seamless digital experience. Developers, in turn, gain new tools to build sustainable revenue models within China’s rapidly evolving mobile environment.