Creator revenue just got more complicated. Apple has given Patreon until November 1, 2026, to force all remaining creators off its legacy billing system and into the App Store’s in-app purchase framework—complete with Apple’s notorious 30% commission cut. This isn’t just another policy tweak; it’s the final blow in a multi-year standoff that transforms how creators monetize their iOS audiences.
The Last 4% Face the Music
Apple classifies creator subscriptions as digital goods subject to full commission rates.
Only 4% of Patreon’s creators still use the legacy billing system that bypassed Apple’s fees, but Apple wants them gone. The company views supporter payments as “digital goods,” entitling it to 30% of initial subscriptions, dropping to 15% after one year.
This marks the third policy reversal in 18 months, prompting Patreon to blast Apple for “policy whiplash” in an official blog post. According to the company, “We strongly disagree with this decision… creators need consistency.”
The Math Gets Ugly Fast
Creators face stacked fees reaching 40%+ when combining platform and Apple commissions.
Here’s where creator economics turn brutal. Patreon already takes 8-12% depending on your plan, plus their standard 10% for new creators since mid-2025. Add Apple’s cut, and you’re looking at fees approaching 40-45% on iOS subscriptions.
Creators can raise iOS app prices to offset Apple’s take or absorb the hit entirely. The escape hatch? Direct patrons to Patreon’s website, where Apple can’t touch the transaction.
Workarounds and Wider Implications
Platform alternatives gain momentum as creators seek independence from app store economics.
Patreon isn’t going quietly. The company rolled out transition tools including:
- Benefit eligibility checkers
- Tier repricing options
- Upcoming annual-only memberships
But smart creators are already eyeing alternatives like Ko-fi (0% platform fees) or building direct payment systems.
This mandate arrives as the DOJ’s antitrust case against Apple intensifies and EU regulations force app store reforms. The November deadline forces a choice: accept Apple’s toll or push audiences toward web payments. For creators tired of platform gatekeeping, that choice might already be made. Your supporters will follow you anywhere—the question is whether you’ll lead them there.
