WeChat for iOS update lands with monetisation plans

Cross-platform messaging app WeChat has received a major update that brings along with it a Game Center, a Sticker Store and a bunch of other features. Within China, WeChat is known as Weixin, and the app is receiving these updates as well.

China-based Tencent has rolled the update for iPhones on the App Store, pushing the app’s version to 5.0, even as the company has assured that an Android app update is in works. The app, which is pretty much free, now has a Sticker Shop where you can purchase cute critter-stickers for you to send to your friends. The purchase can be made by simply using your iTunes account.

Monetising WeChat

WeChat also has been given the gaming treatment, with a whole new Game Center added to the application. The company also released a game called Tian Tian Ai Xiao Chu for the Weixin version of the application. While it hasn’t been added to WeChat, its sister app, as of now, chances are that it will make its way to the cross-platform messaging app soon.

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The application update also introduces a new feature called “Hold Together” that will help users figure out if they’re in close proximity with a friend. This will be an addition to WeChat’s discovery features like “Shake” and “Look Around”.

The addition of the Sticker Store is slowly signalling at WeChat moving towards monetising exclusive features. Users will want to pay for features like rare stickers and games. This will surely make a tidy sum for parent company Tencent, paving way for other cross-platform messaging applications to introduce features of this sort.

You can download WeChat for your iPhone from the App Store.