Apple has issued a final mandate requiring Patreon to move all creators to the App Store’s official subscription billing system. While this transition has been a long time coming, Apple has now established a strict deadline: November 1, 2026.
The move is part of Apple’s broader effort to ensure all digital goods and services sold within iOS apps use its proprietary In-App Purchase (IAP) system. For Patreon, this means abandoning legacy billing models that Apple views as a way to bypass its standard commission structure. The shift primarily affects the roughly 4% of creators still using Patreon’s older “legacy” billing systems, such as per-creation or first-of-the-month billing. Under the new mandate, these creators must switch to a standard monthly subscription model.
By using Apple’s IAP system, new subscriptions started within the iOS app will be subject to Apple’s 30% commission (which typically drops to 15% after one year of an active subscription). Patreon has been vocal about its frustration, noting that these changes create whiplash for small businesses. Despite its strong disagreement with the decision, Patreon is complying to ensure its app remains available to the millions of fans who use iPhones and iPads.
It is important to note that these fees only apply to new memberships started directly inside the iOS app. Fans can still avoid this charge by subscribing via Patreon’s website on a desktop or mobile browser. Once subscribed on the web, they can continue to access all creator content within the iOS app without any additional fees being taken by Apple.
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