Apple’s requirements are about to hit creators and fans on Patreon. Here’s what you need to know.

Important Message: Please read carefully if you’re active on Patreon through the Apple iOS app, as this change will soon affect you!

Hey everyone,

last night, I received a message from Patreon that may impact you if you're using Apple's iOS to access Patreon and process your payments through this app.

Here's what happened: 

It seems Apple has significantly increased its transaction fees and is putting pressure on Patreon. Apple is demanding that Patreon switch to its iOS in-app purchase system by November. If this doesn't happen, Patreon risks being removed from Apple's App Store.

Starting November 2024, the following will apply to Patreon creators like me:

• Apple will charge a 30% App Store fee on all new memberships purchased through the Patreon iOS app, in addition to anything bought in your Patreon shop.

• All creators currently using first-of-the-month or per-creation billing must switch to subscription billing to continue earning through the iOS app, as this is the only billing type supported by Apple's in-app purchase system.

This change affects all NEW supporters who join through the Patreon iOS app from November 2024 onward, but existing supporters should not be affected.

My own thoughts on this: 

Many of my supporters cancel their support shortly after joining... would they be considered new supporters by Apple if they rejoin later? I'm not sure if this only applies to new Patreon users or if it also applies if someone stops and then resumes their pledge.

As a creator, I’m left with two options, neither of which I like:

• Patreon offers me the automatic option to pass these 30% fees on to users of the Patreon iOS app. This means that anyone using Apple's payment service to support from November 2024 onward will have to pay an additional 30%.

• I could absorb the cost myself, which would mean earning 30% less per membership for iOS in-app transactions.

Thank you, Apple. If you dislike this as much as I do, there is a simple way to boycott: Switch to a PC browser or an Android device, as these are not affected by Apple's restrictive changes.

If you're interested, here's the full article from Patreon itself—I highly recommend reading it:

PATREON LINK APPLE PAYMENT

As always, your opinions are greatly valued and welcome. Feel free to share them here in the comments or on my Discord server.

Thank you for reading this far,

Your friendly bimbo artist from the global neighborhood,
Jim / Amaz2k12