Apple may soon allow users of Douyin Pay, ByteDance’s mobile payment service, to purchase apps and services on the App Store in China. The company is currently testing this new payment option, which would supplement the existing offerings that include AliPay, WeChat Pay, and the government-operated Union Pay.
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Introducing Douyin Pay: China’s Answer to TikTok Pay
Douyin is the Chinese counterpart to TikTok, also owned by ByteDance, but it is exclusive to mainland China and Hong Kong. Unlike its international relative, Douyin adheres to local regulations and censorship. With over 766 million active monthly users, Douyin is not concerned with international markets and remains one of the most influential apps within China.
Launched in January 2021, Douyin Pay is incorporated directly into the app. It allows users to link their bank accounts and credit cards to make in-app purchases, pay during the popular live stream sessions where virtually anything can be bought, or even transfer money between individuals.
A Strategic Expansion for Apple in China
If the integration of Douyin Pay into the App Store is approved, Chinese users could use their Douyin Pay accounts to pay for app purchases, subscriptions, and in-app transactions directly. This move could strengthen Apple’s position in a market where mobile payments are the norm, while also leveraging Douyin’s massive user base.
The addition of Douyin Pay would also mark the first time Apple has directly collaborated with ByteDance on a payment service. This would allow the Chinese App Store to cover the major payment platforms in the country, making transactions easier and more familiar for local consumers.
As of now, no official deployment date has been announced. However, if testing is successful, this new feature could be included in upcoming updates to the App Store in China, providing users with an additional method to manage their digital purchases.