Apple backs payments via WeChat

Aug 31, 2017Updated May 30, 20251 min read

Apple Inc’s online services support WeChat payment from yesterday under a tie-up between the US technology giant and Tencent, China’s top dot-com firm with almost 1 billion users.

Apple users can purchase apps and subscribe to online music by bundling App Store and WeChat payment accounts. In China, around 963 million people use WeChat, a popular instant message and picture sharing tool.

Apple will “continue to be committed to offering customers across its ecosystem a variety of payment options that are simple and convenient,” the firm said in a statement.

The WeChat payment tie-up is expected to allow Apple to boost revenue from services, which may help the company to offset sales decline of iPhone and iPad in recent quarters in China, industry insiders said.

Apple has increased investment in China by setting up new research hubs data centers and more Apple Stores.

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Mei Ling Tan

Contributor · RetailNews.asia

Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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