Patreon Planning iOS App Update to Skirt In-App Purchases

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Patreon plans to update its iOS app with new functionality that will allow creators to accept payments from followers without having to pay Apple's in-app purchase fees, a Patreon spokesperson told The Verge.

patreon

This is a huge moment for creators and their businesses. The iOS app is the number one platform for fan engagement on Patreon, and we believe this ruling allows creators to get paid without giving Apple 30 percent. As a first step, we will submit an app update for review by Apple to enable payments outside of IAP so creators keep more from iOS based fan payments.

In 2024, Apple forced Patreon to adopt support for the in-app purchase system, which meant that Apple started taking a 30 percent cut of all payments made to creators. Patreon gave creators the option of increasing their prices in just the iOS app, or absorbing the fee to keep prices the same across all platforms. Creators had to raise prices in the iOS app, lose money to pay Apple's cut, or encourage customers to subscribe on the web.

As of right now, Apple is still collecting a 30 percent App Store fee for all memberships purchased via Patreon for iOS, and for other digital goods purchased from Patreon shops.

Patreon does not have a timeline for when it plans to submit its app update with out-of-app payment options, and Apple also hasn't outlined exactly when it will change its ‌App Store‌ rules.

Apple has been ordered to stop restricting developers from informing customers about purchase options outside of an app in the U.S., and from collecting fees for out-of-app purchases.

The court said that it "will not tolerate further delays" and that the ruling, which was issued yesterday, was effective immediately.

Tag: Patreon

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Top Rated Comments

klasma Avatar
6 weeks ago

30% is hardly greedy considering none of these developers would make a penny without Apple.
Without Apple, these developers would be making apps for other platforms. And in that situation, not many people would prefer to buy Apple devices. Apple would only make a fraction of their revenue without the app developers. It’s a mutual relationship, but Apple isn’t treating developers as equals.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
6 weeks ago
This is one I absolutely approve of.

What Patreon is charging of creators, and for what, and that entire relationship, has nothing to do with Apple and they should get no cut of it at all.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Living the Dream Avatar
6 weeks ago
All Apple had to do was NOT be greedy; now they may lose all access to app money.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DEMinSoCAL Avatar
6 weeks ago

30% is hardly greedy considering none of these developers would make a penny without Apple.
You've got it wrong. The developers wouldn't make a penny without iPhone users. Apple made their money when they sold the phone to the user. Any transaction between the user and the developer should not involve Apple. Not to mention, developers pay a fee to Apple to be a developer.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Aeronauts Avatar
6 weeks ago
Good for them. Most independent app developers don’t make much money from their apps so I like to see them keep more of that money rather than giving to Apple.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
6 weeks ago

Oh good, go have your credit card info stolen from a low quality payment system. ?
Total nonsense.

Patreon are just going to bring the pricing in line with what they charge on their website directly.

That's where I ended up going to do my various Patreon subs.

(had to go out of my way just to avoid Apple trying to steal a cut they don't deserve in any way at all)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)