
WeChat looks even more like an operating system now thanks to Samsung
Now users can open WeChat mini programs directly from the home screen on Samsung handsets
New Samsung handset models sold in China will give users direct access to WeChat’s in-app mini programs without having to open WeChat first. Users can swipe right on the phone’s home screen to find their five most recently used mini programs. Or they can swipe left from the edge of the display to see their 10 favorite mini programs. Tapping an icon will bring up the mini program.
Mini Programs: The apps inside apps that make WeChat so powerful
Since their launch in 2017, mini programs have become a key part of WeChat. These “apps within an app” are no bigger than 10MB each, so they can download and install almost instantly inside WeChat. And like any normal app, they can perform any number of different functions, including hailing a cab, playing games or ordering food online.
With the new Samsung partnership, WeChat gives users even more direct access to its ecosystem. People can now open a WeChat mini program from the phone’s home screen just like they would any other app.

While Samsung is collaborating with WeChat, other phone makers in Tencent’s home market have tried to fight its dominance.
How Oppo became one of the biggest smartphone makers in China
Quick Apps, however, have yet to catch up with the popularity of WeChat’s mini programs.
WeChat, though, is facing increased competition.
(Abacus is a unit of the South China Morning Post, which is owned by Alibaba.)
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