Rumor: “WeChat may not support iPhone 16”

On September 2, there were rumors that WeChat may not support iPhone 16, and once the iPhone is upgraded to iOS18.2, WeChat will not be available.

However, the reporter learned from an informed source that this rumor is a rumor. The reporter also called Apple’s official customer service, who said: “I have checked the relevant information internally. There is no situation where iPhone 16 will not support WeChat in the future. Some news is unreliable.”

Apple and Tencent represent strong channels and game giants respectively, and the game between the two is still going on.

In August this year, Apple was exposed to consider adding “Apple tax” to WeChat and Douyin. At that time, some media reported that Apple was increasing pressure on Tencent and ByteDance, requiring the two companies to cooperate in blocking payment loopholes in WeChat and Douyin. If the ability of developers and users to bypass the Apple ecosystem is not cancelled, WeChat updates will be refused in the future.

Regarding the “Apple tax”, Tencent management responded at the second quarter 2024 earnings conference held in August: “We have not yet monetized mini programs on i0S through in-app transactions. I think if this monetization can be achieved, it will not only be in our interests, but also in the interests of Apple, and even more in the interests of game developers and users.

But we hope to achieve this goal under economically sustainable and fair conditions. Therefore, this discussion is ongoing, and we hope to reach a positive result because it will be a win-win situation for all parties.”