After adding its own billing option on iOS, Apple asks Patreon to move it to an external browser

Creator platform Patreon has to modify its app to comply with Apple’s guidelines after a recent update allowed U.S. users to make purchases via the web. The company says that its own web-based checkout option is now the default for U.S. fans, but it has to update its app so that this checkout option opens in an external browser instead, per Apple’s instruction. This creates more steps for fans who want to pay using Patreon directly, but it still allows the company to forgo having to pay Apple a 30% commission on in-app purchases. Patreon first updated its app shortly after a court ruling in the Apple-Epic legal battle that forced Apple to support external payments in apps published on its U.S. App Store without charging commissions. Last week, the Patreon iOS app (version 125.5.0) added an option that let users pay via the web using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and even Apple Pay. These options appeared within an in-app browser, providing a more seamless checkout experience for Patreon users. Now, Patreon’s checkout flow opens in an external browser instead — a change Patreon made based on Apple’s feedback. In addition, the company says creators on older billing models will also be able to accept payments through Patreon’s iOS app. Image Credits:Patreon Previously, Apple didn’t support billing models outside of subscription billing, and it required the exclusive use of its own in-app purchases system. That limited the options for creators on legacy billing models, like first-of-the-month and per-creation billing, Patreon says. Techcrunch event Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW With the update, creators will be able to use those billing options on iOS, which could make a significant impact on their bottom line. Within the week, Patreon says that U.S. fans will be able to purchase memberships from these creators at the price they’ve set for their tiers in the iOS app. (However, creators will still need to offer subscription billing to sell new memberships outside the U.S.) Currently, approximately 95% of active creators are already using subscription billing, the company notes, as it allows them to use other tools like free trials, discounts, gifting, tier repricing, autopilot, and more. But now it can address the needs of the remaining 5%. Because of this new flexibility, Patreon’s deadline to switch creators to subscription billing is no longer in effect, it says. Last August, Patreon said Apple had given it a deadline to switch all creators to Apple’s iOS in-app purchase system by November 2025 or risk removal from the App Store. “We’ve stayed in close conversation with Apple and have continued advocating for a more flexible approach — one that gives creators more time and choice,” Patreon shared in a blog post. “As a result of the recent ruling and changes on Apple’s end, the November 2025 deadline is no longer in effect, and as of today, no new deadline has been set. This means that, as of now, we can give creators more time and flexibility in when and how they switch while we simultaneously work to resolve issues that have blocked them from switching in the first place,” it said.