Patreon has launched an updated version of its iOS app, enabling users to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system by allowing payments directly through the web. This change follows the recent U.S. court ruling in the highly-publicized Apple vs. Epic Games lawsuit, which compelled Apple to accept alternative payment links within apps, allowing developers to avoid Apple’s customary commission fees.
Under the previous version of the Patreon app (version 125.4.1), subscribers were limited to Apple’s payment service for signing up to creators’ membership plans, subjecting revenues to Apple’s mandatory fees. Now, with version 125.5.0 released this week, users see an easily accessible option directing them toward Patreon’s website for purchases. Once there, patrons can pay by various methods such as PayPal, Venmo, credit cards, or Apple Pay itself, without the fees associated with in-app purchases.
Interestingly, while Apple’s own payment method remains available, it appears subtly presented in the app’s user interface, recognizable only in smaller text beneath a prominent “Join” button. This shift in presentation highlights an effort by Patreon to steer customers toward paying through its own site, keeping a larger share of subscriptions in creators’ pockets.
Patreon acknowledged in a statement that Apple approved the app change, with the new version now rolling out to users across the United States and expected to reach all subscribers within 24 hours of updating.
The new guidelines result from the impactful April 30 court decision, which ended Apple’s longstanding restriction against developers linking to outside payment services while still collecting commission fees. Following the ruling, Apple adjusted policies to align with court directives, permitting newly compliant updates from apps such as Spotify and Amazon’s Kindle service, which similarly link to external payment processing.
Patreon, which strongly supported Epic Games’ challenge against Apple, celebrated the legal outcome, emphasizing the financial benefit to content creators who can now retain a greater portion of their income. The company also indicated that previously enforced deadlines mandating all creators switch exclusively to Apple’s subscription billing by November 2025 might no longer be necessary. While cautioning creators temporarily to remain on subscription billing for iOS app payments, Patreon expects further clarity on how the ruling might permanently ease requirements.
Patreon continues to offer support to those creators interested in transitioning their billing methods.
