Patreon iOS Update Lets Creators Bypass Apple In-App Purchase Fees

Patreon’s latest update to its iOS app marks a significant shift in how creators can monetize their content on Apple devices. Released as version 125.5.0, this update allows creators in the United States to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system by linking fans to alternative payment methods on the web. This change comes in the wake of the landmark Epic v. Apple ruling, which restricts Apple from charging commissions on purchases made outside of its app store.

Previously, Apple charged up to 30% commission on all in-app purchases, significantly impacting creators’ revenue. With this update, Patreon creators can now direct their iOS users to complete new membership payments through web-based options, effectively avoiding these fees. Supported payment methods include Apple Pay, credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal, offering fans flexible and familiar ways to support creators.

Currently, this alternative payment option is limited to new memberships using Patreon’s subscription billing model, which charges fans based on their sign-up date. Patreon has announced plans to extend this functionality to include one-time payments in future updates, further expanding payment flexibility for creators and supporters alike.

This development aligns Patreon with other major platforms like Spotify and Amazon’s Kindle app, which have also introduced ways to circumvent Apple’s in-app purchase fees following the recent legal ruling. For creators, this means more control over their revenue streams and the ability to offer fans better pricing without the overhead of Apple’s commissions.

Patreon’s statement highlights the broader significance of this change: empowering creators and fostering thriving communities where professional creativity can flourish. By embracing alternative payment systems, Patreon is setting a precedent for greater financial autonomy and sustainability in the creator economy.

For developers and platform owners, this shift underscores the importance of flexible payment integration strategies that comply with evolving regulations while maximizing revenue. QuarkyByte offers tailored insights and solutions to help navigate these changes, optimize payment workflows, and enhance user engagement across platforms.