Apple Sets Nov. 1, 2026 Deadline for Patreon iOS In‑App Purchases, Taking Up to 30% Cut

Apple has set November 1, 2026 as the new deadline for Patreon to route iOS/iPadOS payments through App Store in‑app purchases. The move subjects creator subscriptions purchased in‑app to Apple’s 30% commission, which drops to 15% after a year. Patreon says it’s disappointed, but most creators have already migrated, and users can still subscribe via the web to avoid Apple’s cut.

Key Points

• New deadline: November 1, 2026 for Patreon to use Apple's in‑app purchase system in its iOS/iPadOS app.
• Apple’s commission is 30% on in‑app purchases/subscriptions, dropping to 15% after a year of continuous subscription.
• Patreon will allow creators to either increase iOS-only prices or absorb Apple’s fee to keep pricing uniform.
• Supporters can avoid Apple's commission by paying on Patreon's website rather than in the app.
• Only 4% of creators remain on legacy billing; Patreon is disappointed with Apple’s approach and has posted a migration FAQ.

Sentiment

The community overwhelmingly agrees with the article's framing that Apple's commission on Patreon payments is excessive and harmful to creators. The dominant tone is one of frustration and anger directed at Apple's rent-seeking behavior, with many calling for regulatory intervention. A small minority defends Apple's right to set App Store terms, but these voices are significantly outnumbered and often challenged.

In Agreement

• Apple's App Store operating margins are extraordinarily high and they could charge a fraction of the current rate while remaining very profitable
• Patreon payments are essentially creator support and donations, not traditional digital goods — Apple's classification is overreach comparable to taxing banking transactions
• The iOS/Android duopoly means creators and users cannot meaningfully opt out of Apple's ecosystem, making the commission function as a compulsory tax rather than a market fee
• Apple deliberately cripples web alternatives through Safari limitations on local storage, background tasks, and notifications to maintain App Store dominance
• The 30% rate is wildly disproportionate compared to payment processors like Visa and Mastercard which charge under 2%
• EU DMA regulation and court interventions are the most promising path to force meaningful change, as Apple has shown a pattern of malicious compliance with rulings

Opposed

• Apple's ecosystem provides genuine value including security vetting, integrated payment infrastructure, and consumer protections against malware and scams
• The 30% commission has been consistent since the App Store launched and developers voluntarily agreed to these terms
• Users can bypass Apple's cut by completing payments through Patreon's website instead of the iOS app
• Fully opening up sideloading could expose less technical users to malware and fraud, and Apple has a legitimate interest in protecting its users
• High profit margins alone do not justify regulation — companies exist to make profits, and this is a voluntary marketplace