- It seems like this might be Apple’s attempt at a version of alternative app stores, locked down by strict T&Cs.
I opened up the comments hoping to see discussion amongst the people here with strong feelings about Apple’s walled garden, but it seems I’m too early to the party.
- No excitement here for any “discount” announcements—just cynicism about our device freedoms being restricted by two duopolies.
- > A qualifying mini app within the Mini Apps Partner Program is one that’s put out by a person or entity that’s not directly or indirectly controlled by you, nor under common control with you.
I don't understand; if it's put out by someone else, how do I participate?
by jasongill
4 subcomments
- This article explains this new program for those (like me) who had no idea what a "mini app" was and why it matters: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/13/apple-announces-mini-ap...
tldr: it will let Apple charge a commission (although at 15%, it's half the normal 30% rate for the app store) on popular web app games embedded in to WeChat for the Chinese market
- Telegram have a big mini-apps platform.
Chatbots are a major area to regulate. I don't see how it would be possible for Telegram (or Discord, or IRC clients...) to comply with this.
by polyomino
1 subcomments
- Forcing iPad support seems like tying. I wonder if this will finally get Instagram to release an iPad app.
- Roblox still exempt, blatant favoritism continues
by wahnfrieden
0 subcomment
- I expect this is also setting up for MCP marketplaces.
There was evidence of upcoming macOS and iOS updates adding MCP support at a system level across apps. The rules talk about "scripts", not only games or apps.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/22/macos-tahoe-26-1-beta-1-mcp-i...
- Another thing this is similar to is Google AMP, which provided predictible user experiences through heavy restrictions. I guess AMP is to Mini Apps what Google Glass is to Oculus.
- [flagged]
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