What’s Happening with Patreon and Apple?

In a strategic shift that will impact many creators, Patreon is set to update its iPhone application to sidestep Apple’s in-app purchasing system. This decision reflects an ongoing struggle between app developers and Apple regarding the hefty fees imposed by the latter on transactions within apps.

Why Is This Important?

Patreon, a platform that supports creatives by allowing fans to subscribe for exclusive content, has historically paid large fees to Apple for subscriptions made through the iPhone app. By avoiding these fees, Patreon can potentially pass more revenue to its creators.

How Will the Update Work?

The forthcoming update to Patreon’s iPhone app will likely involve a redirection mechanism where subscribers are prompted to complete their transactions through the web, where Apple cannot charge its standard 15-30% transaction fees. Here’s what this might look like:

• Redirection: Users click on a ‘subscribe’ button and are taken to Patreon’s website.
• Payment Completion: Transactions occur outside the app.
• Access: Users return to the app for their content.

Potential Drawbacks

While the update is beneficial financially:

• User Experience: Might be less seamless, which could deter some users.
• Regulatory Attention: Such moves might attract scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will this change affect current Patreon subscribers on iPhones?

Current subscribers might need to update their app and could experience a change in how they renew or manage subscriptions, but access to content will remain unchanged.

Will this affect the content quality or availability?

No, this update is purely transactional and doesn’t influence the content directly. Creators may actually increase production due to better revenues.

Can users still subscribe via Apple if they prefer?

It remains to be seen how Patreon will handle those preferring to stick with Apple’s payment system, but they might maintain some form of the old payment method as an option.

Summary

Patreon’s forthcoming update appears driven by a desire to enhance revenue streams for creators by bypassing Apple’s fees. Though beneficial, this move could pose challenges related to user convenience and regulatory compliance.

Learn more about digital content platforms and their challenges.

For further information, refer to the Related Article.

Credit: Based on facts and information from credible news sources on tech industry updates.