Tencent disables tipping function in iPhone version of WeChat

Tencent Holdings has disabled its popular tipping function for WeChat content providers on the iPhone after it was deemed in violation of the in-app purchase (IAP) rules set out by Apple.

WeChat was allowing readers to tip some certified content providers who publish articles and circulate them via the app. By clicking the “tipping” button at the bottom of these articles, a reader is able to transfer from a few yuan to several hundred yuan from their WeChat Wallet as a reward for the author.

However, the function was considered non-compliant with Apple’s in-app purchase rules laid down in June last year, which prohibit apps from including buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than IAP.

Internet giant Tencent was trying to retain the function on WeChat’s iPhone version by providing QR code payments as an alternative, according to a statement published on Wednesday. But in an updated announcement just a few hours later, Tencent said the function was completely shut down for iPhone users.

On its official WeChat account, Tencent said it regrettably had to abolish the feature for iPhone users after lengthy negotiations with Apple failed to reach a compromise. Apple said in a statement that WeChat can still allow users to tip as long as it used Apple’s own IAP system.

The tipping function remains available to all WeChat accounts on Google’s Android platform and the changes will only apply to the iPhone version of WeChat, according to Tencent.