Apple is enforcing its policy that requires apps to use its in-app purchase system, with Patreon being the latest to face this mandate. Patreon, a platform that enables creators to offer memberships to their supporters, has been told by Apple that it must switch to the iOS in-app purchase system or face removal from the App Store.
This change could significantly impact how creators earn money, as Patreon’s model involves offering both unpaid and paid membership tiers.
To comply with Apple’s demands, Patreon is implementing two major changes. First, by November, creators will be limited to offering only subscription-based plans on iOS, as Apple does not support other formats like first-of-the-month or per-creation plans.
Patreon is planning a 16-month transition process, during which all memberships will be migrated to subscription-based plans by November 2025. This shift highlights Apple’s extensive control over app-based commerce.
Additionally, Apple will start taking a 30 percent commission on all Patreon subscriptions made through its iOS app beginning this November, extending the fee it has already applied to in-app commerce purchases since early 2024.
In response, Patreon has created a tool for creators to raise their subscription prices specifically for iOS users while keeping prices unchanged on the web and Android. This feature is optional, allowing creators to maintain consistent pricing across all platforms if they choose.
These changes underscore the significant influence Apple wields over app developers and the potential financial impact on creators who rely on platforms like Patreon. The situation exemplifies the broader tension between app developers and Apple’s stringent App Store policies, especially regarding revenue-sharing practices.
