Apple Vision Pro China expansion will get a giant boost from Tencent

The Apple Vision Pro may get a boost of support when it eventually launches in China, with Tencent reportedly agreeing to supply apps for the headset.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has already confirmed that the Apple Vision Pro will be heading to China later in 2024, However, while the exact timing of the headset launch is unknown, it may get some local support in the important market.

A Tuesday report from The Information cites a person with knowledge of discussions as claiming Tencent will be supporting the Apple Vision Pro. This will apparently include bringing some of its major apps to visionOS, so they can be used while wearing the headset.

Tencent is a major tech company in China, with its apps including the messaging service WeChat and a video-streaming service with almost 450 million monthly users.

The move is major for Apple, as it needs local partnerships with major media companies to more effectively launch the Apple Vision Pro in the country. While it has services like Disney+ in the United States, many streaming apps in Western countries are not available in China itself.

For Tencent, this continues a relationship with Apple that other firms do not have. For example, WeChat offers users mini apps that handle tasks such as shopping and financial transactions.

This is not Tencent's only agreement for AR and VR software. It already has a deal with Meta to offer apps and games for the Quest headset.

News of Tencent's potential involvement occurs not long after Tim Cook toured Shanghai, opening the Apple Jing'an store as well as meeting developers in the region.