Patreon is once again clashing with Apple. The trigger is Apple's requirement that all subscriptions on iOS must henceforth be processed through the App Store's in-app purchase system. Apple has set a new deadline of November 2026 for this. Patreon disagrees with the regulation on its merits but has announced that it will comply in order to remain in the App Store.
The conflict between Apple and platforms like Patreon has been ongoing for years. The recurring issues revolve around in-app purchases, fees, and the question of how much control Apple should have over digital business models. For Patreon, the focus is primarily on the predictability of creators' income. Frequent changes to Apple's guidelines make stable revenue models difficult to establish and create uncertainty.
Apple's demand on Patreon
In August 2024, Patreon informed its creators that Apple required all creator subscriptions on iOS to be switched to the App Store's in-app purchase system. If Patreon did not comply, Apple threatened to remove the app from the App Store.
At that time, Patreon stated that Apple intended to actively enforce the rule starting in November 2024. A phased migration was planned, with all remaining creators to be switched to the new billing system by November 2025.
Changes to Apple's App Store rules
In the meantime, Apple had to relax several App Store rules. One of the most important changes: Apps are now allowed to link to web-based payment options. Patreon subsequently adapted its app and informed creators that the previously communicated deadline of November 2025 was no longer valid.
These adjustments initially led to uncertainty about how long Patreon actually has to complete the transition.
New deadline: Conversion by November 2026
Apple has now confirmed to Patreon that the company has until November 2026 to complete the original migration process. By that time, all creators still using the old billing system must have switched to the App Store's in-app purchase system.
Patreon told TechCrunch that they would adhere to this timeline to ensure their continued presence in the App Store.
Patreon's criticism of Apple's approach
Despite complying with the guidelines, Patreon maintains its criticism. The company emphasizes that creators primarily need consistency and clarity to build sustainable business models in the long term.
What's particularly problematic is that this is already the third fundamental change to Apple's guidelines within 18 months. Creators who continue to use the old billing system will have to rethink their strategies and adapt their processes once again.
Rejected proposals for smoother transitions
Patreon explains that it submitted several proposals to Apple over the years. The goal of these proposals was to develop tools and features that would allow creators to manage the transition from the old billing system on their own timeline – including additional support during the transition.
According to Patreon, Apple has repeatedly rejected these proposals. Instead, Apple sets fixed deadlines and changes them multiple times, further complicating the transition.
Patreon follows Apple's guidelines
Patreon is now working to meet Apple's timeline and implement the full transition by November 2026. At the same time, criticism remains that repeated changes of direction place an unnecessary burden on creators.
This case once again demonstrates how heavily platforms like Patreon depend on Apple's App Store rules. For creators, this primarily means one thing: adapting to external requirements that can change at short notice. Whether Apple will provide more stability in the future remains to be seen. (Image: Shutterstock / Tada Images)
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