Apple has ordered creator platform Patreon to move all remaining creators onto Apple’s in-app purchase subscription system, reimposing a transition deadline of 1 November 2026. While the change directly affects only about 4% of Patreon creators, the renewed mandate has reignited concerns that repeated policy shifts could disrupt creator businesses far beyond that small group.
Patreon confirmed the figure in a blog post addressing Apple’s latest requirement, noting that the affected creators are those still using legacy billing models.
The company warned that inconsistent deadlines and rule changes have made it increasingly difficult for creators to plan pricing, benefits and long-term growth.
What Apple Is Requiring
Apple’s position is that all in-app subscriptions must use its in-app purchase system, which allows the company to collect its standard App Store commission. Patreon had previously managed billing for some creators, a setup Apple viewed as sidestepping its rules.
Under Apple’s directive, Patreon must migrate all creators to subscription billing using in-app purchases or risk removal from the App Store. Apple initially set a 2025 deadline, later relaxed it, and has now reinstated a firm cutoff for 2026.
Why Only 4% Are Affected
Patreon reports that most creators have already transitioned to subscription billing, leaving a relatively small minority still operating under older payment models. These legacy setups often involve complex tiers, benefits and payment schedules built over years.
While the number appears limited, Patreon argues that the creators affected are often among its longest-running and most established, meaning any disruption can be significant for both creators and their paying members.
Policy Reversals Fuel Uncertainty
The latest deadline follows a series of reversals that have confused creators. In 2024, Apple announced the requirement that Patreon move all subscriptions to in-app purchases. Patreon initially planned a phased transition, allowing creators to choose whether to raise prices to cover Apple’s fees or delay changes until 2025.
In May last year, Patreon leveraged loosened App Store guidelines following the US court ruling in Epic v. Apple. It introduced the option for creators to process web payments via links in its app and told creators the earlier 2025 deadline was no longer in effect.
Patreon now acknowledges that pausing the transition may have added to confusion, as Apple has since reinstated a new deadline.
Why Critics Say the Impact Could Be Wider
In its response, Patreon said it ‘strongly disagree[s]’ with Apple’s decision, arguing that creators need consistency to build sustainable businesses. The company described the latest shift as the third policy change from Apple in the past 18 months, creating what it called whiplash for creators.
Critics say the impact could extend beyond the 4% directly affected. Even creators already using subscription billing may face indirect consequences, including pricing pressure from Apple’s commission fees and reduced flexibility over how memberships are structured and sold.
Tools and the Road Ahead
Patreon says it is complying with Apple’s rules while rolling out tools to ease the transition. These include benefit eligibility tracking, tiered repricing options, and gifting and discount features to provide greater payment flexibility. An annual-only membership option is also expected to launch before the 2026 deadline.
For now, creators using legacy billing have just over two years to decide how to adapt. But the broader debate over platform control, app store fees and creator independence shows no sign of easing as the deadline approaches.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
