Apparently Apple is Bullying Patreon

Apparently, Apple is Bullying Patreon

Hey everyone,

I wanted to give you a heads-up about some important changes coming to Patreon that might affect your experience as a patron. As some of you may know, Apple is requiring Patreon to switch over to their in-app purchasing system, which is set to take effect by November 2024. Here’s what this means:

• Apple’s 30% App Store Fee: Starting in November 2024, any new memberships purchased in the Patreon iOS app will be subject to Apple’s 30% fee. This means that if you pledge through the app, a significant portion of your pledge will go to Apple, not the creators you want to support.

• Switch to Subscription Billing: Currently, I’m using a first-of-the-month billing model, but Apple’s in-app purchase system only supports subscription billing. Patreon is being forced to migrate all creators to this subscription billing system, and my current billing model will be discontinued by November 2025.

• Impacts to Memberships on iOS: Starting in November 2024, you won’t be able to purchase subscriptions to my content through the iOS app unless I switch to subscription billing. While I can delay this switch until November 2025, Apple’s mandates mean that the iOS app will no longer allow new memberships until the switch happens.

• Price Adjustments: Once I’m forced to switch to subscription billing, I’ll have the option to either raise the price for new memberships purchased in the iOS app (to offset the 30% Apple fee) or absorb the fee myself, which would reduce my earnings. This fee only applies to new memberships made through the iOS app, but it’s something I’ll have to consider carefully when the time comes.

I didn’t choose this path—Apple’s rules are pushing all creators into this situation, and it’s pretty frustrating. I want to ensure you’re aware of these changes so you can make informed decisions before pledging. I’ll do my best to keep things running smoothly and will update you as these changes get closer.

Thank you all so much for your support. It means the world to me, and I’m committed to providing you with the best content despite these challenges.