Apple to enforce 30% commission on Patreon iOS subscriptions starting November 2024

Starting November 2024, Apple will require Patreon to use the Apple App Store in-app purchase system, imposing a 30% commission on all Patreon memberships sold through the iOS app. This policy affects both initial purchases and renewals, prompting Patreon to allow creators to automatically raise subscription prices within the iOS app to manage the additional costs.

Creators face potential financial strain due to the additional Apple commission, especially if they choose not to pass the costs onto subscribers. Patreon indicates that transactions via the iOS app will be more expensive compared to those made on the web unless creators absorb the App Store fee. Creators have the option to delay transitioning to the new billing method until November 2025, but failing to comply will result in losing the ability to sell memberships through the iOS app.

The fee will only apply to memberships purchased on Patreon's iOS app from November 4th, 2024, onward, leaving existing subscriptions and those sold on Patreon's website or Android app unaffected. The impending change has sparked discussions among creators on how to adjust their pricing and subscription strategies to maintain their earnings and subscriber base without significant losses. It’s also worth noting that on top of Apple’s commission, Patreon takes 5-12% of creators’ income, so interested users might want to explore alternatives like beehiiv that don’t take a cut of their revenue.