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Apple, Tencent reach understanding over WeChat tips

Tips are a popular way for Chinese social network users to compensate content creators and Apple wanted a 30 percent cut of that revenue.

Apple, Tencent reach understanding over WeChat tips

San Francisco: Resolving its long standing issues with Tencent, the owner of WeChat, Apple has now allowed the social platform to send tips over the popular messaging app.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, WeChat creator Allen Zhang revealed Apple and China-based multinational conglomerate Tencent have reached an agreement over tips.

"In the past, companies like Apple might have had a difficult time understanding China-specific features. We now all share a mutual understanding and we`ll soon bring back the `tip` function," Zhang was quoted as saying.

WeChat disabled its built-in tipping system last year after Apple asked the creators of popular messaging apps in China to disable `tip` functions to comply with App Store rules.

The decision was seen as Apple`s move to try to increase revenue from in-app purchases.

Tips are a popular way for Chinese social network users to compensate content creators and Apple wanted a 30 percent cut of that revenue.

It is not clear if Apple will still take a small cut on tips.

Last year, Apple and Tencent reached an agreement allowing the US-based company to allow payments through WeChat for its App Store and Apple Music.

Around 963 million people worldwide use WeChat -- an instant messaging application similar to WhatsApp but with a wider range of services, including a payment platform.