Recently, Patreon announced that memberships sold on the iOS app will now be subject to Apple’s 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. This change is set to take effect starting in November and will require creators to use Patreon’s in-app payment system, or risk being removed from the App Store.
As a result of this new policy, creators on Patreon will see a decrease in their earnings due to Apple’s commission. This additional fee will apply to both new membership purchases and renewals, ultimately impacting the amount of money creators receive for their work.
Offsetting Costs
In an effort to help offset the costs of Apple’s commission, Patreon will allow creators to automatically increase their prices in the iOS app. However, this may lead to memberships being more expensive on the app compared to the website, further impacting the accessibility of Patreon for users.
Previously, Patreon was able to avoid Apple’s 30 percent commission by using alternative payment processors. However, this exemption is now coming to an end, leading to the implementation of Apple’s payment in-app system for Patreon memberships.
Looking ahead, the impact of Apple’s commission on Patreon memberships may result in changes to the overall platform. Creators may need to adjust their pricing strategies, and users may begin to question the value of memberships on the iOS app compared to other platforms. Additionally, this shift could lead to a reevaluation of the relationship between tech giants and independent creators.
Apple’s 30 percent commission on Patreon memberships is set to have a significant impact on both creators and users. With the new policy taking effect in November, creators will need to navigate the changes in pricing and payment systems to continue earning money through the platform. As the landscape of the digital creator economy continues to evolve, it will be crucial for platforms like Patreon to find a balance between supporting creators and adhering to the policies of tech giants like Apple.
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