REMINDER: Starting November 1st 2024 - Switch to Subscription Billing & Apple App Store 30% Fee Requirement
Added 2024-10-02 01:02:33 +0000 UTCWe want to inform you about some upcoming changes that may affect new and returning patrons starting in November 2024.
In preparation for Apple’s upcoming requirement for all iOS transactions to use their in-app purchase system starting this November, Patreon will be switching from first of the month and per creation billing to subscription billing and adjusting prices for iOS purchases.
What's Changing for the Billing Cycle?
We’re also switching from the first of the month billing to subscription billing, which affects how and when you’ll be charged.
First of the Month Billing: Currently, everyone is billed on the 1st of each month, regardless of when they initially subscribe. This means if you join on the 15th, you still get charged again on the 1st of the next month.
Subscription Billing: Starting in November, new patrons and returning patrons will be billed based on the date they subscribe. So, if you join on the 15th, you will be charged again on the 15th of the next month, giving you a full month of access between payments.
This change ensures that new and returning subscribers are charged exactly 30 days from the day they join, rather than being billed on the first of the month and potentially losing access time.
What's Changing for Pricing?
In addition to the billing cycle changes, Starting November 1st, 2024, any new pledges or re-subscriptions made through the Patreon app on iPhones or iPads (iOS devices) will be subject to higher prices. This is due to fees associated with using the iOS app for transactions.
Why Are All These Changes Happening?
Apple will charge a 30% fee on any purchases made within apps on their devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.) —a cost often referred to as the "Apple tax," starting November 1st, 2024.
How Does This Work?
When you pledge on mobile browser, desktop browser, or Android, nothing changes—you pay the same price, and there are no additional fees from Apple. However, if you use the iOS Patreon app to make a purchase, Apple's 30% fee applies, and this affects how much we receive.
Here’s an example of how the pricing will differ based on the platform:
How Does This Affect You?
Existing Patrons: If you're already subscribed and continue your subscription without canceling, nothing will change for you. Your current pricing remains the same.
New or Returning Patrons: If you start a new subscription or re-subscribe after canceling using the iOS Patreon app after November 1st, 2024, the price will be higher to account for Apple's fee.
How to Avoid the Price Increase
To avoid the higher prices and ensure more of your pledge goes directly to us, we recommend managing your subscription through the following platforms:
Web Browser (on mobile or desktop): Visit Patreon.com to manage your subscription without the additional fees.
Android App: Use the Patreon app on Android devices where Apple's 30% fee doesn’t apply, keeping prices the same.
TL; DR
Existing Subscribers:
If you’re already subscribed AND don’t cancel, nothing will change. You’ll continue being billed on the 1st of each month with no price increase, and your current pledge amount stays the same.
New or Returning Subscribers After November 1st, 2024:
Billing Cycle: You will be billed based on the date you subscribe, not on the 1st of the month. For example, if you subscribe on the 15th, you will be charged again on the 15th of the following month.
iOS App: If you subscribe through the iOS app, prices will increase due to Apple’s 30% fee. A $10 pledge, for instance, might increase to $14.50 or more.
Web Browser or Android: If you subscribe through a web browser or the Android app, prices remain the same, and you will avoid the additional Apple fee.
Thank you for your support! We appreciate your understanding as we adapt to these changes and work to ensure your contributions continue to directly support our work.
