Recently, Patreon announced that memberships sold on its iOS app will now be subject to Apple’s 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. This new policy will go into effect starting November, forcing creators on the platform to use Apple’s in-app payment system or risk being kicked out of the App Store.
The introduction of Apple’s commission will significantly impact creators on Patreon. With the 30 percent fee applying to each new membership purchase and renewal, creators will end up receiving less money for their work. This means that unless creators absorb the additional cost themselves, transactions on the iOS app will be more expensive compared to purchases made on the web.
To help offset the financial burden of Apple’s commission, Patreon is giving creators the option to automatically increase their prices in the iOS app. This move is an attempt to ease the impact of the new fee on creators and ensure they continue to earn a fair income through the platform.
In the past, Patreon was able to avoid Apple’s 30 percent commission by using alternative payment processors. However, this exemption came to an end in 2021 when Patreon announced its switch to Apple’s payment in-app system. This decision was made in response to Apple’s decision to extend the commission to new memberships and subscriptions, a move that will come into effect in early 2024.
As Patreon adjusts to Apple’s new commission policy, creators will need to consider how this change will impact their earnings and pricing strategies. The increased fees associated with iOS app purchases may lead some creators to rethink their pricing structures or even explore alternative platforms to host their content.
Apple’s 30 percent commission on Patreon memberships represents a significant shift in how creators earn money through the platform. While Patreon is taking steps to mitigate the impact of this change, creators will need to adapt to the new financial landscape and find ways to continue supporting their work in the face of increased fees.
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