2026-01-29 16:00:42

Apple has confirmed that Patreon creators who still use legacy billing systems will be required to move all subscriptions onto Apple’s App Store payment framework by November 1, 2026.

The change affects around four per cent of Patreon creators who continue to rely on first-of-the-month or per-creation billing models.

These systems are incompatible with Apple’s in-app purchase rules, which require digital subscriptions sold through iOS apps to use Apple’s own billing infrastructure and pay a commission of up to 30 per cent, dropping to 15 per cent after the first year.

Patreon says it will automatically migrate any remaining creators who have not switched to subscription billing by the deadline, after Apple made clear that continued access to the App Store depends on compliance.

While creators can still direct iOS users to sign up via the mobile web – which avoids Apple’s commission in the US due to recent court rulings – subscription billing is now the only model Apple will allow inside the app itself.

The decision follows a period of regulatory whiplash, as in 2024, Apple initially set a November 2025 deadline, then backed off after a court ruling limited its ability to charge fees on external payments.

That pause was short-lived, as Apple has now reimposed the requirement, prompting renewed frustration from Patreon, which says creators need stability to run sustainable businesses.

Patreon has since said it “strongly disagree with this decision”, arguing that Apple’s repeated reversals have created unnecessary uncertainty for creators who depend on predictable income.

The company added that it had proposed alternative transition tools and timelines to Apple, but those suggestions were rejected.

To soften the impact, Patreon is offering support tools including tier repricing, discounts, gifting options, and – later this year – annual-only memberships.

Existing members will continue on their current billing schedules, with the changes primarily affecting new sign-ups.

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