In a move that has left many creators scratching their heads, Apple has threatened to remove creator platform Patreon from the App Store if creators use unsupported third-party billing options or disable transactions on iOS, instead of using Apple’s own in-app purchasing system for Patreon’s subscriptions.
A 16-Month Migration Process
According to a blog post and email sent to Patreon creators about upcoming changes to membership in the iOS app, the company has begun a 16-month-long migration process to move all creators to Apple’s iOS in-app purchase system by November 2025. This means that Patreon will switch creators over to subscription billing as of November 2024, but they will have the option to decide whether to price their memberships at a higher fee to cover Apple’s commission or absorb the fee themselves.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
If creators choose not to adopt Apple’s iOS in-app purchase system by November 2025, they won’t be able to offer memberships in the iOS app until they comply with Apple’s rules. This has left many creators worried about the implications of this move and how it will affect their business.
A History of Uneven Enforcement
The announcement serves as another example of how Apple’s App Store rules have been applied unevenly, an accusation that Apple has faced in the past from critics, including Fortnite maker Epic Games. In 2021, Epic sued Apple over antitrust issues and largely lost the lawsuit, but the court did decide that iPhone maker would have to allow links to other payment options inside their apps.
The Gray Area
Patreon had existed in an odd sort of gray area, as some of its subscription-based offerings could be consumed in its app while others could not. Another possible reason for the Patreon exception was due to the fact that many users didn’t come to Patreon itself to discover creators and content, but rather through other channels.
A Statement from Patreon
In a blog post, Patreon CEO Jack Conte explained the situation: "Most creators on Patreon use subscription billing. Over the past few years, we’ve slowly rolled it out, tackling each hurdle that has come up to ensure that the migration is not disruptive for creators. That’s the way we like to roll out products. Unfortunately, because of Apple’s timelines and constraints, we can’t continue to do it this way."
Options for Creators
Patreon has given creators several options:
- Raise their subscription prices: This will allow them to cover Apple’s commission.
- Absorb the fee themselves: This means that creators will have to take on the cost of Apple’s commission.
A Way Out: Delaying the Migration
Creators can also opt to delay the migration in their Patreon settings until November 2025, but this will mean that they won’t be able to offer memberships in the iOS app until then. However, even if creators choose this option, they will still need to adopt Apple’s iOS in-app purchase system by November 2025.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s App Store rules have been applied unevenly in the past, and Patreon’s situation is just another example of how difficult it can be for companies to comply with these rules. While Patreon has given creators several options, many are still worried about the implications of this move and how it will affect their business.
Additional Resources
For more information on Apple’s App Store rules and how they apply to Patreon, check out the following resources:
Conclusion
The situation with Apple and Patreon is complex, but it highlights the importance of understanding and complying with App Store rules. While creators have several options, many are still worried about the implications of this move and how it will affect their business.
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