Chinese Apps are Launching on Apple Vision Pro Ahead of Its China Release, Bolstered by Tencent Partnership
According to The Information, China’s leading technology company, Tencent has decided to offer some of its flagship applications for use on Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The move comes just ahead of the headset being launched in China later this year.
Tencent is a huge multimedia company that you’ll find all over China. They own well-known platforms like Weibo, WeChat, and QQ, along with We Bank and Tencent Pictures. They’re also behind famous games like Honor of Kings and PUBG.
Apple TV+ and other streaming platforms, like Disney+, can’t be accessed in China. The report points out that, without help from Tencent, Apple would have had a harder time promoting the Vision Pro in China. This partnership is described as essential for the product’s success there.
Also Read:Â Apple Vision Pro Review: A Closer Look
Recently, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, announced that the Vision Pro will be released in China this year. The price might be higher there because of import taxes. Also, it might get a new name due to a trademark issue with Huawei.
Apple is reportedly looking for partners in China to help start and manage its Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ services there. Since launching iCloud in 2017, Apple hasn’t introduced any new services in China because of the government’s rules.
Entering the Chinese Market
Tencent effectively sidesteps China’s rigorous market regulations, a feat even Apple struggles with when it comes to distributing its own video content in the country.
Actually, Apple hasn’t been able to offer any media or subscription services in China since 2017 because of government rules. Last September, China went a step further by forbidding state-owned companies and local government employees from using iPhones.
Even so, back then, 90 percent of Apple’s goods were produced in China. However, due to a mix of political shifts and the pandemic, production has shifted to countries such as India and Vietnam. This likely altered the percentage.
Even so, at the time, about 90 percent of Apple’s products were manufactured in China. However, due to a mix of political factors and the impact of the pandemic, production has shifted to countries such as India and Vietnam, so that percentage may have altered since then.
iCloud+ and Apple Music might soon become available in China, thanks to the expansion of their teams focusing on this market. According to a source from The Information, Apple has been recruiting executives from Chinese companies like Tencent, Weibo, and Meitu to assist in forming partnerships in China.
Does it have value?
The Apple Vision Pro is loaded with features but has a steep price tag, making it less accessible to many. Reviews in the US have been mixed, with some users mentioning discomfort while wearing it. Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that as of last month, there are more than 1,000 apps ready to download on the App Store for this device.
Furthermore, Apple isn’t alone in vying for this domain. Just this January, Tencent also struck a deal with Meta for AR and VR software, aiming to deliver apps and games for its Quest headset.
Meta aims to introduce a much more affordable version in the Chinese market by the end of this year, priced lower than Apple’s Vision Pro.
Also Read:Â Can Apple Vision Pro Play Games
Apple already has an online store in China, but this partnership is a big deal for Meta because they don’t have their own outlet there. They need a local partner like Tencent to sell their products.
Apple is likely planning several future versions ahead, with the aim of eventually offering more affordable options with their subsequent releases, all while maximizing profits.
Earlier this month, Apple released the Apple Vision Pro version 1.1 for everyone to use.
Whether this marks the beginning of a profitable international business plan remains to be seen, but the collaboration between Apple and Tencent holds significant importance for both parties in the future. For a while now, Apple has facilitated Tencent’s market presence by permitting WeChat to provide mini-programs to iPhone users.
Other businesses around the world may see Tencent as an opportunity to enter a tightly regulated market.
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