Regarding Supporters through Apple's iOS in-app purchasing system

Hey guys,

I just wanted to talk about the Apple iOS in-app purchases changes that's about to take place here on Patreon (November 1st). If you've signed up through Apple's iOS I'd like to encourage you to choose another method. Signing up via an android or on PC on Patreon's website will solve this. The following only applies to members who have signed up through Apple's iOS in-app purchase system. 

I'm currently choosing to not join Apple's iOS membership for the time being (I have a year before it's mandatory), and I just wanted to lay out my reasoning as to why for anyone affected:

- Apple's charging memberships made through their iOS a 30% fee. In order to cover this, Patreon is encouraging two different prices for the same content. In their example, instead of paying $5 USD you'd be charged $7.50 USD as someone who made the purchase through Apple's iOS. I don't feel good about some members being charged more for the same content.

- Refunds are outside of my control. I can't issue any refunds for any Apple iOS in-app purchases.

- Apple requires creators to not take breaks. While I've never paused my Patreon or taken a break, I knew that I always had the option should something unforeseen happen. A creator pausing their Patreon will now not only immediately remove any member who signed up through Apple's iOS, but if they remain paused for more than two months they'll lose their "membership" to Apple and no longer be able to use this in-app purchase system.

- I'm concerned Patreon hasn't vetted these changes with the API and it will cause problems in granting access to content. I can manually work around this, but I don't like more complications arising for people trying to access content.

Ultimately, if the vast majority of people are using Apple's iOS I'll have to capitulate. I don't want two-tier pricing, or less ability to provide a smoother experience for people, but it's not up to me on how people sign up. I'm grateful for the support regardless. It's just that as it is now, I have no way to tell how many people utilize Apple's iOS for payments at present.

The long game seems to be moving to SubscribeStar as I've had an increasing amount of concerns on how Patreon manages not only currency conversion, but also pricing even outside of this Apple iOS kerfuffle.

If you're using Apple's iOS in-app purchase for your membership on Patreon, please be aware that I'll have that option disabled for the month of November to assess the situation. This can be resolved as I mentioned earlier by signing up through Android or PC. Please also be aware that while I'm trying this for my Patreon the same may not be true for other creators, so I encourage you to double check any price changes that may occur because of this change on other creators you support.

I hope this all sounds reasonable as to why I'm making this decision for the time being. If you notice any difficulties with accessing content come November, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to resolve it.

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.