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Patreon, the platform empowering creators to build sustainable income through direct fan support, finds itself at odds with Apple over the tech giant’s stringent App Store policies.

The latest dispute over App Store rules centres on Apple’s requirement for all iOS app transactions to be processed through their in-app purchase system, a move that Patreon argues undermines their creator-centric philosophy.

In a statement, Patreon explained:

“Patreon exists to let creators make what they love for their biggest fans, and earn an income doing it on their own terms. Everything we build is to make those two things easier for creators. For you.”

Despite Patreon’s commitment to transparency, control, and stability for their creators, they are now facing a deadline of November 2024 to fully integrate Apple’s in-app purchases or risk being removed from the App Store.

This enforced change has significant implications for creators using the platform. Firstly, Apple will be taking a 30% cut of all new memberships and shop purchases made through the Patreon iOS app. Secondly, creators currently utilizing first-of-the-month or per-creation billing will be forced to adopt a subscription-based model; the only option supported by Apple’s system.

Patreon emphasizes that these changes will not affect existing members, only those who sign up via the iOS app from November onwards. However, for creators accustomed to alternative billing approaches, this shift represents a major disruption to their established workflows.

Patreon has introduced a new feature that helps creators maintain their earnings by automatically adjusting prices in the iOS app to cover Apple’s 30% fee. This change is optional, and creators can choose to activate it.

Patreon commented on the situation by noting:

“Obviously, neither of these solutions are ideal. But remember, Apple’s fees are only in the iOS app. Your prices on the web and the Android app will remain completely unaffected.”

Furthermore, Patreon is undergoing a 16-month transition to a subscription billing format, set to be complete by November 2025. This shift includes discontinuing other billing options such as first-of-the-month and per-creation payments, aligning with Apple’s regulations and requirements.

Patreon is actively supporting creators throughout this process with a range of resources, including personalised assistance for those on per-creation billing, community forums on Discord, and comprehensive FAQs.

“We didn’t choose this path, but we’re focusing our resources on making subscription billing an even better experience for creators and fans,” Patreon stresses.

Patreon says that it’s committed to continued dialogue with Apple in the hope of finding a more creator-friendly solution. However, even in the courts, previous attempts by other companies have had minimal success.

See also: Google: Third-party stores in Play Store would cost over $61M

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