Patreon App Now Accepts Web Payments
Patreon’s app now supports web payments, a significant shift following changes in the U.S. App Store policies. This update allows creators to offer a more seamless payment experience to their patrons directly within the app.
Background of the App Store Changes
Recent policy adjustments within the U.S. App Store have enabled Patreon to integrate web-based payments into its iOS app, offering greater flexibility to app developers regarding payment options.
Background
In April 2025, a U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case determined that Apple could no longer prevent developers from directing users to external payment methods or impose commissions on such transactions. This decision compelled Apple to revise its App Store guidelines, allowing apps to include links to alternative payment platforms without incurring Apple’s standard 30% commission. The VergeTechCrunch+1TechCrunch+1
Patreon’s Response
Following this ruling, Patreon released version 125.5.0 of its iOS app, introducing a web-based checkout option for U.S. users. This update enables patrons to subscribe to creators using various payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay, directly through Patreon’s website. By facilitating payments outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system, creators can retain a larger portion of their earnings.
Previously, Apple mandated that Patreon transition all creators to its in-app purchase system by November 2024, requiring a shift to subscription billing and subjecting transactions to Apple’s commission. However, the court’s decision has allowed Patreon to pause this transition, providing creators with more flexibility in their billing models. Home+1The Paypers+1
Broader Implications
Patreon’s integration of web payments reflects a broader shift in the app ecosystem, as developers seek alternatives to traditional in-app purchase systems. This change not only benefits creators by reducing fees but also offers patrons more diverse and potentially cost-effective payment options.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
Patreon: U.S. court rules that you no longer have to give Apple 30%
TechCrunch: Patreon’s app can now accept web payments after U.S. App Store changes
The Verge: Patreon’s iOS update allows creators to bypass in-app purchases
How Web Payments Benefit Patreon Creators
The integration of web payments brings several key advantages for Patreon creators:
- Increased Patron Convenience: Patrons can now make payments directly through the Patreon app without navigating to an external website.
- Simplified Payment Process: The streamlined process enhances the overall user experience, encouraging more consistent support from patrons.
- Greater Control Over Transactions: Creators gain increased control and visibility over their transaction data.
Implementing Web Payments in the App
Patreon has proactively updated its iOS app to align with Apple’s App Store guidelines, ensuring continued availability on the platform. This update introduces significant changes to how payments are processed within the app, affecting both creators and supporters.The Verge+1Patreon | News | Home+1
Key Updates to Patreon’s iOS Payment System
- Mandatory Use of Apple’s In-App Purchase System: Starting November 2024, Patreon is required to utilize Apple’s in-app purchase system for all new memberships and digital goods purchased through the iOS app. This change subjects these transactions to Apple’s 30% App Store fee. Patreon Help Center+9Patreon Help Center+9Patreon+9
- Transition to Subscription Billing: Apple’s in-app purchase system supports only subscription billing. Consequently, creators using first-of-the-month or per-creation billing models must transition to subscription billing by November 2025 to continue offering memberships through the iOS app. Patreon Help Center+6Patreon Help Center+6Patreon Help Center+6
- Pricing Adjustments to Offset Fees: To mitigate the impact of Apple’s commission, Patreon provides creators with options to adjust their pricing. Creators can choose to increase prices within the iOS app to cover the 30% fee or absorb the cost themselves, potentially reducing their earnings from iOS-based transactions. Patreon+8Patreon | News | Home+8The Verge+8
- Impact on Existing Memberships: The 30% fee applies only to new memberships and purchases made through the iOS app after the implementation date. Existing memberships and those initiated on other platforms, such as Patreon’s website or Android app, remain unaffected. The Verge+6Patreon+6Patreon+6
These changes reflect Patreon’s commitment to complying with platform policies while striving to support creators’ revenue streams. By providing flexible pricing options and a clear transition plan, Patreon aims to minimize disruptions and maintain a sustainable environment for its community.Patreon | News | Home+4The Verge+4The Verge+4
For more detailed information on these updates, you can visit Patreon’s official announcement here: Patreon’s Update on iOS In-App Purchases.Patreon+1Patreon+1
Future Implications for App Developers
Patreon’s integration of web-based payments within its iOS app marks a significant shift in the app ecosystem, setting a precedent for other developers seeking alternative payment methods. This development follows a U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, which prohibits Apple from restricting developers from directing users to external payment platforms and collecting commissions on such transactions. Barron’s+5The Verge+5Home+5
With the release of Patreon’s iOS app version 125.5.0, U.S.-based users can now subscribe to creators via a web-based checkout, utilizing payment options like Apple Pay, credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal. This approach allows creators to bypass Apple’s 30% commission, ensuring they retain a larger portion of their earnings. The Verge+3Home+3TechCrunch+3
This move not only benefits creators and patrons but also exemplifies the potential for increased flexibility and innovation in the app ecosystem. By adopting alternative payment methods, developers can offer more competitive pricing and enhance user experience, challenging the traditional revenue models imposed by major app stores.
For more detailed information on Patreon’s implementation of web payments and its implications, you can refer to their official announcement here:
