The recent update to Patreon’s iOS app, version 125.5.0, now allows creators in the United States to process payments outside of Apple’s App Store payment system. As reported by TechCrunch, released on Monday, this update enables Patreon creators to redirect users to web-based payment options, helping them avoid Apple’s commission fee of up to 30% on in-app transactions.
This change comes after the Epic v. Apple court decision made on May 1st, which prevents Apple from enforcing fees on purchases made outside of apps. The new Patreon update adds to the list of platforms like Spotify and Amazon’s Kindle that can now guide U.S. users to more favorable pricing and offers outside of the App Store, thereby avoiding Apple’s 27% fee.
The updated Patreon web payment feature supports various payment methods including Apple Pay, credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal. Currently, these alternative payment options are available exclusively for fans signing up for new memberships and for creators utilizing the subscription billing model, which bases fees on the user’s sign-up date. According to Patreon, they are actively looking to expand these options to include one-time payments “in a future update.”
In a statement last week, Patreon expressed, “This ruling is a significant milestone for creators and fans, and we will continue to advocate for a future where creators have control, communities flourish, and professional creativity is accessible to everyone.”
