Ma Jihua (it.sohu.com):

Under Apple’s pressure, Tencent has finally given in. This time, it is the tipping function that is disabled. Next, probably more Tencent products will be restricted by Apple’s rules. Even Tencent’s online gaming business might be affected. WeChat Pay, which is burgeoning, will bear the brunt of Apple’s move. More importantly, it’s feared that Google may follow Apple’s example.

Actually, Apple did not initially intend to shut down WeChat’s tipping function. Tencent elected to shut down WeChat’s tipping function rather than agree to use Apple’s iOS in-app purchase system. Neither of the two can benefit from this move. Still, we can read Tencent’s choice as part of its struggle against Apple.

Up till now, Apple has never changed its rules and logic that the purchase of virtual products on its platform must go through the in-app purchase system and that all such products for sale are subject to App Store terms and conditions. The same rules apply globally.

Some argue that Apple’s refusal to accede to Tencent’s demands will force users to choose between WeChat and Apple, and thus Android will seize more market share in China. This supposition overestimates WeChat’s influence. Apple’s move affects the interests of only those who benefit from the so- called “payment for knowledge” model. As for users who wish to pay through WeChat’s tipping function, removing the function from the iOS platform means the payment process will be more complex. Many people who tip WeChat public accounts are impulsive consumers. They will not bother to change their mobile phone just because the iPhone no longer supports WeChat’s tipping function.