Recently, Patreon announced that memberships sold on its iOS app will soon be subject to Apple’s 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. This new requirement from Apple will begin in November and creators will need to switch to Patreon’s subscription billing method to continue earning money through the iOS app.
With the implementation of Apple’s 30 percent commission, creators on Patreon will be receiving less money for their work. This is because the commission will apply every time a new membership is purchased or renewed through the iOS app. In order to help offset the costs of this new fee, Patreon will give creators the option to automatically increase their prices in the app.
Patreon has highlighted that transactions made through the iOS app will be more expensive compared to purchases made on the website due to Apple’s App Store Fee. This means that unless creators choose to absorb the fee themselves, new memberships on the iOS app will cost more for patrons.
In the past, Patreon was able to avoid Apple’s 30 percent commission by using alternative payment processors. However, in 2024, Apple mandated that Patreon switch to its in-app payment system which includes the commission on digital goods. This change may have been influenced by the fact that users do not primarily use Patreon to discover creators and content.
Existing subscriptions on Patreon, as well as memberships sold on the website or Android app, will not be affected by the new commission. However, for creators relying on the iOS app for memberships, the commission could significantly impact their earnings. This change may lead to creators reconsidering their membership pricing and strategies to mitigate the financial impact.
Apple’s 30 percent commission on Patreon memberships sold through the iOS app will have a substantial financial impact on creators. The requirement to switch to Patreon’s subscription billing method and the potential increase in prices for patrons may result in creators receiving less revenue for their work. As the deadline approaches in November, creators will need to evaluate the best course of action to adapt to this new financial reality.