Apple's requirements are about to hit creators and fans on Patreon (news.patreon.com)

Article summary

Apple is requiring Patreon to switch to their iOS in-app purchase system, which will result in a 30% fee on new memberships purchased through the app. This change will affect creators who use Patreon, particularly those with first-of-the-month or per-creation billing models, which will need to be migrated to subscription billing. Existing members will not be impacted by the fee. Patreon is working to make the transition as smooth as possible for creators and their fans.

Main themes

• Apple's in-app purchase policy
• Patreon creator fees
• Subscription billing models
• Digital goods and services
• App Store regulations
• Creator earnings and revenue

What commenters say

• The 30% fee imposed by Apple is excessive and will negatively impact creators and their earnings.
• Patreon should consider pulling out of the App Store to avoid the fee and maintain control over their business.
• The distinction between physical and digital goods is not clear-cut, and Apple's policy is arbitrary and unfair.
• The convenience of in-app purchases and subscription management may be worth the extra cost for some users.
• The fee is a form of exploitation by Apple, interfering with personal relationships between creators and their supporters.
• Patreon's desire to have an app is driven by the potential for increased user engagement and data collection.
• The use of middlemen like Apple and Patreon can be convenient, but it also introduces unnecessary costs and risks.
• The value proposition of using middlemen like Apple is that it facilitates transactions and assumes risk, making it worth the extra cost for some users.