Apple Pushes Patreon to Move In-App Billing to External Browser: What This Means for Creators

If you’re a digital creator or fan of platforms like Patreon, you’ve probably noticed how tech giants like Apple are always tweaking the rules around in-app purchases. This time, Apple has asked Patreon to shift its billing system out of the iOS app and into an external browser. Sounds technical, right? But let’s break it down — and more importantly — figure out what it means for creators and fans.

What’s Going On Between Apple and Patreon?

In a surprising move, Apple is telling Patreon to ditch in-app billing on iOS devices — even after Patreon recently added Apple’s own billing system as an option for users.

Hold on. Isn’t that what Apple wanted in the first place?

Well, kind of.

Patreon added Apple’s in-app purchase (IAP) option earlier this year to comply with Apple’s long-standing policies. For years, Apple has taken a 30% commission on any digital transactions made inside the iOS app, including subscriptions.

But now, Apple is changing its tune yet again. Instead of continuing to allow billing through the app using Apple’s system, they’re telling Patreon to send users to an external browser to complete payments.

Why the Sudden Shift?

That’s the big question.

While Apple hasn’t provided a detailed statement explaining this decision, it looks like the change is related to European Union regulations and global antitrust pressures. Apple is facing increasing scrutiny over its “walled garden” approach, where it tightly controls every aspect of the iOS ecosystem.

To stay ahead of new laws, Apple appears to be encouraging—or even forcing—some apps to move their payment processing outside the app entirely. This would mean users would be redirected to Safari or another browser to complete membership or donation payments.

How Does This Impact Patreon Creators and Supporters?

Let’s talk about real-world impact—because this gets to the heart of how these tech shifts affect everyday users.

For creators:

It adds a layer of friction. Users will now have to leave the app to support their favorite creators.

This small hurdle could mean fewer sign-ups or patrons bailing mid-process.

It may reduce spontaneous contributions or impulse subscriptions since the process isn’t as seamless.

For supporters:

It creates a slightly more cumbersome user experience.

Instead of a simple tap inside the app, users will have to follow a link, wait for the browser, and plug in their payment info again.

It might not sound like a big deal—but any extra step in a digital process can shave off engagement rates.

What is Apple Really Up To?

Apple’s move highlights a deeper tension brewing behind the scenes.

Historically, Apple has generated a large chunk of revenue by charging developers and platforms a portion of their earnings, particularly for in-app digital sales. Until recently, Apple’s policies required that subscriptions or digital content purchases go through their system so they could grab their 30% cut.

But now, pressure from lawmakers and platform owners—especially in the EU—is forcing Apple to rethink.

For years, platforms like Spotify and Epic Games have been fighting back, claiming Apple’s App Store policies are anti-competitive. Patreon is just the latest brand caught in the crossfire.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

This could set a new trend for digital membership platforms. If Patreon has to move billing outside the app, others like Substack or Ko-fi may follow.

It may save creators money. External billing bypasses Apple’s commission fees, meaning more cash goes directly to creators.

It opens up flexibility for payment systems. Creators can potentially offer different pricing tiers or bundles that weren’t possible under Apple’s rigid billing guidelines.

But, of course, it’s not all sunshine and savings.

Is External Billing Really the Answer?

Imagine you’re subscribing to your favorite video creator on Patreon. You click “Join” in the app, but instead of signing up right there, it throws you into Safari where you have to start again.

Kind of annoying, right?

That’s the main downside of external billing—it transforms what could be a seamless transaction into a multi-step process. For people who aren’t tech-savvy, this could become a blocker.

It also raises questions about user security and fraud monitoring. Apple provides protections for in-app transactions that might not carry over when billing is done through third-party processors.

Could This Actually Help Creators?

Absolutely, but with a few caveats.

One of the biggest complaints from small content creators and independent publishers has always been Apple’s 30% fee. That’s a huge chunk, especially if you’re just starting out or managing a small, passionate following.

Moving billing outside of the app could mean more money in the pockets of creators. It also gives Patreon more freedom to offer alternative packages or custom pricing.

For instance, if you’ve ever wanted to tip your favorite podcast host $3.50 instead of locking into a $5 tier, third-party billing could offer that flexibility without Apple getting involved.

What Should Creators and Supporters Do Now?

This kind of change can feel frustrating, but it’s also a sign that the digital content world is evolving rapidly.

If you’re a creator:

Watch how Patreon handles this move. Expect guides and updates on how to adjust your page and messaging for supporters.

Be proactive. Communicate with your patrons. Let them know what to expect and how to continue supporting you.

If you’re a supporter:

Be patient and aware. Take a few extra seconds to complete payments through your browser instead of tapping in-app.

Bookmark the Patreon pages you love — it can help you return more easily when the app redirects you.

Final Thoughts: Is This Just the Beginning?

Changes like this are likely just the tip of the iceberg. As tech giants face pressure to loosen their grip, we may see more companies like Apple adjusting their policies — not because they want to, but because they have to.

Apps like Patreon are being caught in the middle, trying to balance the needs of creators, users, and platform gatekeepers like Apple.

At the end of the day, the goal should be keeping support easy and creators paid fairly. As long as that remains the focus, there’s hope that these growing pains will lead to better systems for everyone.

So, next time you get redirected from an app to your browser, remember — it’s not just a tech glitch. It might just be part of a bigger shift in the creator economy.

What do you think? Would switching to browser-based payment stop you from supporting creators you love?

Let us know in the comments below. 👇

Keywords: Apple App Store policy, Patreon billing update, external browser payments, iOS in-app purchases, creator economy news, digital subscription model.