Apple is to require Patreon to use its in-app purchase system and remove other billing systems from the Patreon iOS app, or risk removal from the App Store.
Patreon is a subscription-based crowdfunding platform that offers « creators » such as podcasters, writers and musicians with a way to earn a monthly income by offering exclusive content to their subscribers. Patreon’s iOS app is one of the main ways subscribers interact with the platform.
Apple’s changes will take effect in November 2024. From then on, Apple’s in-app purchase system and its associated 30% fees and billing requirements will apply to all new memberships purchased in the Patreon iOS app.
Patreon offers a choice billing plans including, per-creation, first day of the month and weekly, monthly and annual subscriptions. However, Apple’s system only supports subscription billing.
New creators on Patreon will face the choice of raising their prices to offset Apple’s 30% fee to achieve the earnings they would have obtained previously, or simply to absorb the costs. Existing Patreon creators are not affected.
Patreon and creators on the platform have expressed their dissatisfaction with the options, as it disrupts their business models and affects earnings.
