> seems like this might be Apple’s attempt at a version of alternative app stores, locked down by strict T&Cs

Huh, I read it as them reüsing the code and contracts they built to partner with Tencent.

Could be. I’m not familiar with their Tencent contracts.

“Apple has reached a new agreement with Tencent that will allow the company to process payments and collect a 15% commission on purchases made inside WeChat mini games and mini apps on the iPhone, establishing a major new revenue stream in China after over a year of negotiations, according to Bloomberg.”

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/13/apple-deal-to-take-bill...

Oh ya, there's no way this isn't an extension of those agreements with Tencent.

Maybe I'm cynical, but what I'm wondering is which country's regulation led to Apple being forced to do this

Apple is going to profit tremendously off this. They did it in part because they will make billions from WeChat.

And Roblox

> Maybe I'm cynical, but what I'm wondering is which country's regulation led to Apple being forced to do this

Not Europe, that’s for sure.

Most likely American “regulation” via cutthroat capitalism and attempt to copy WeChat’s success.

Isn’t this what competition is supposed to like?

How's this competition if it's still using apple's payment infrastructure in apps that are shipped via apple's app store?

Yes but it is also a grab at WeChat, forcing them to transact through Apple with a new 15% cut

It’s also a grab at Grab, who just announced their mini apps a couple of weeks ago:

https://www.grab.com/sg/press/others/grab-launches-third-par...

Shouldn’t we presume that Grab was aware of any upcoming changes.

I think they call it commercial in confidence.

Grab would have voluntarily entered in to an agreement with Apple.

Are we ok with companies reaching an agreement to do business together on terms of their mutual agreement still?

Apparently, the apps in wechat aren't transacted via Apple today anyways, maybe some will choose to do so via apple but I can't imagine to be the majority.

I also think wechat have the upper hand in this relationship so Apple is unlikely to be able to do any real forcing function.

Presumably Tencent voluntarily entered in to a contract with Apple.

What’s this forced business?

k