Apple’s New Mandate: Patreon Creators Must Transition to Subscription Billing

Apple’s Latest Mandate Impacts Patreon Creators

In a move to comply with Apple’s subscription requirements, Patreon is urging creators to transition from legacy billing methods by November 1st, 2026. This change will affect 4 percent of Patreon creators who still utilize first-of-the-month and per creation billing models.

Apple’s insistence on subscription billing is not new. In 2024, Patreon was initially directed to switch to the App Store’s in-app purchase system, which would subject creators to Apple’s 30 percent commission. However, following the Epic Games v. Apple ruling, Patreon was able to provide alternative checkout options for iOS users in the US, leading to a postponement of the deadline.

Now, Apple has reintroduced the mandate with a new deadline, emphasizing the inclusion of subscription billing to support in-app purchases. Despite the option for iOS users to evade the 30 percent fees by subscribing via mobile web, creators are left with no choice but to transition to subscription billing.

Expressing their discontent, Patreon stated, “Creators require consistency and clarity to establish sustainable businesses. Apple’s frequent policy reversals, including this latest one, create unnecessary challenges for creators using legacy billing methods.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from Apple regarding this decision are currently underway.