The Impact of Apple’s 30 Percent Commission on Patreon Memberships

Patreon, a popular platform for creators to earn money through memberships, is facing a significant change due to Apple’s new policy. Starting in November, Patreon will be required to use Apple’s in-app payment system for memberships sold on the iOS app. This means that Patreon creators will have to pay a 30 percent commission to Apple for each new membership purchase and renewal.

To help offset the costs of Apple’s commission, Patreon is giving creators the option to automatically increase their prices in the iOS app. However, this will ultimately result in creators earning less money for their work, as they will have to absorb the Apple App Store Fee unless they choose to increase prices for their patrons.

With Patreon already having platform fees in place, Apple’s commission will create an additional financial burden for creators. New transactions on the Patreon iOS app will be more expensive compared to purchases made on the web, making it challenging for creators to maintain their earnings through the platform.

In the past, Patreon was able to avoid Apple’s 30 percent commission by using alternative payment processors. However, this exemption is coming to an end, and Patreon will now have to comply with Apple’s in-app payment system. This change reflects a shift in Apple’s policies and its enforcement of commission fees on digital goods.

The imposition of Apple’s 30 percent commission poses challenges for Patreon and its creators. While existing subscriptions on Patreon will not be affected, new memberships purchased through the iOS app will be subject to the fee. This change could impact Patreon’s user experience and revenue streams, as creators may seek alternative platforms to avoid the financial implications of Apple’s commission.

Apple’s requirement for Patreon to use its in-app payment system and pay a 30 percent commission on iOS app memberships will have significant implications for creators. The increased costs associated with Apple’s fee may lead to creators earning less money for their work and facing challenges in maintaining their business on the platform. As Patreon and its creators navigate this new landscape, they will need to explore strategies to mitigate the financial impact of Apple’s commission and ensure the sustainability of their creative endeavors.