Patreon’s latest iOS update is a game-changer for creators, allowing them to bypass Apple’s hefty 30% commission fee on in-app purchases. With this new feature, US-based Patreon creators can now offer fans the option to pay through web-based systems instead of Apple’s App Store payment system. This shift comes after the landmark Epic v. Apple ruling on May 1, 2025, which restricts Apple from enforcing fees on purchases made outside of apps. For creators, this means more revenue and a better deal for their supporters.
This new update, version 125.5.0, provides creators with the ability to link directly to alternative payment systems such as Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and credit cards. The feature is currently available to those purchasing new memberships or signing up for subscription billing, which charges fans based on the date of their initial subscription. However, the company plans to extend these payment options to one-time payments in the future, giving creators even more flexibility.
For US users, this change follows in the footsteps of other major platforms like Spotify and Amazon Kindle, which have also begun steering users to external payment methods to avoid Apple’s 27% commission fee. This update presents a significant opportunity for creators to offer better pricing and deals to their fans, and it comes as part of Patreon's ongoing effort to give creators more control over their earnings.
Patreon’s commitment to empowering creators is clear, and this update is just one step in that direction. As the company continues to innovate, it is working towards a future where creators can thrive professionally without being limited by platform fees. For fans, it means more options and better deals, and for creators, it’s a win-win that will foster long-term success in the creator economy.
By adopting alternative payment systems, Patreon is setting the stage for a more equitable ecosystem that prioritizes the financial well-being of creators. Fans can now support their favorite content creators while ensuring that more of their contributions go directly to the creators, rather than being siphoned off by third-party fees. This move not only supports the growing creator economy but also signals a shift in how online platforms are evolving to meet the needs of both creators and their audiences.
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