Patreon has officially launched an updated version of its iOS app, allowing users to complete transactions directly via the web. This strategic shift follows a landmark U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games vs. Apple case, which mandates that Apple must permit developers to provide links to alternative payment systems, effectively bypassing the mandatory Apple commission.
A Shift in Payment Strategy
Before this update (version 125.5.0), users on the Patreon iOS app were strictly funneled into Apple’s proprietary in-app purchase system to subscribe to creator memberships. The new interface now prioritizes external web payments, offering users flexible options such as PayPal, Venmo, credit cards, and Apple Pay.
In a clear move to reduce reliance on Apple’s ecosystem, the native “in-app purchase” option has been relegated to small, secondary text below the prominent “Join” button. This design choice is expected to significantly shift transaction volume toward Patreon’s own web platform.
Compliance and Legal Impact
Patreon confirmed that the update is currently rolling out to U.S. users and should be live for all within 24 hours. This update aligns with broader industry changes seen in apps like Spotify and Amazon Kindle, which have also pivoted to external payment links following the April 30 court ruling.
The platform has been vocal about the benefits of this ruling, noting that creators stand to retain more of their earnings when Apple’s commission is removed from the equation. You can read more about the initial reaction to the ruling here.
Future of Creator Billing
The implications of this change extend to Patreon’s long-term billing roadmap. Previously, Apple had imposed a November 2025 deadline, threatening to remove the platform from the App Store if it did not migrate all creators to Apple’s native billing system.
According to a recent support update, Patreon now believes this forced migration is no longer necessary. While the situation remains fluid, the company is operating under the assumption that it can maintain its legacy billing models, providing greater flexibility for both creators and their subscribers.