Patreon has voiced its concerns regarding Apple’s latest mandate that compels all creators on its platform to adopt a subscription billing model, with a new deadline set for November 1, 2026.
Although this change will primarily affect the 4% of creators still operating under Patreon’s legacy billing systems, the company emphasizes that Apple’s inconsistent policy updates hinder creators from establishing viable, long-term businesses.
The mandate in question stems from Apple’s announcement in 2024, which required Patreon to transition all creators to subscription billing via Apple’s in-app purchase framework by November 2025, or risk removal from the App Store. This policy was introduced because Patreon was handling subscription billing for a segment of its users, which Apple viewed as bypassing its established commission guidelines.
Apple has given Patreon ample time to facilitate this transition for its users.
Initially, the company planned to implement the subscription billing system in November 2024, allowing creators the option to raise their subscription prices to accommodate Apple’s fees. Additionally, they could postpone these changes until November 2025 should they require extra time. However, until they complied with Apple’s in-app purchase system, subscriptions could not be offered within the app.
In May, leveraging recent alterations to App Store policies due to the Epic v. Apple court ruling, Patreon enabled creators to process web payments through links in its app. At that time, the earlier November 2025 deadline was effectively lifted, providing creators with more leeway in strategizing their subscription models.
Patreon now acknowledges that its previous decision to delay this transition for creators might have contributed to the current confusion, particularly since Apple has reinstated the November 2026 deadline.
While Patreon is adhering to Apple’s directive, it remains critical of the influence the tech giant wields over how creators manage their businesses.
“We strongly disagree with this decision,” the company’s blog asserts.
“Creators require stability and transparency to cultivate successful, sustainable ventures. Sadly, those working under legacy billing will experience yet another abrupt adjustment due to yet another policy change — the third in the past 18 months from Apple. Throughout this time, we have presented numerous suggestions for tools and features that could have enabled creators to transition according to their own timelines, with enhanced support. Regrettably, Apple has repeatedly dismissed these proposals,” it notes.
Creators can find further details regarding the transition plan on Patreon’s website. The platform has also developed several supportive tools for these updates, including a benefit eligibility tool for tracking payments, tier repricing resources, and gift and discount functionalities to provide payment flexibility. An annual-only membership option will launch ahead of November 2026 as well.
### Hustle Verdict
Our take is that Apple’s directive marks a significant shift in the creator economy, compelling platforms like Patreon to adapt swiftly. We believe this could reshape the dynamics of app monetization, influencing creators to reconsider their strategies for sustainability amidst tightening policies. The bottom line is that as regulatory landscapes evolve, businesses must remain agile to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.
