In a surprising twist to the ongoing debate around App Store payment policies, Apple has reportedly asked Patreon to relocate its in-app billing option to an external browser, just weeks after Patreon added its own billing method on iOS. The move comes as tensions grow between platform control and developer flexibility, with Apple continuing to enforce tight restrictions on digital purchases within its ecosystem.
Apple’s Position: External Billing or App Store Tax
Patreon, the popular creator subscription platform, recently rolled out a native billing feature in its iOS app, allowing users to pay creators directly without going through Apple’s payment system. This would effectively allow Patreon to bypass the 15–30% commission Apple typically takes on digital transactions.
App Store Rules Remain Rigid
Apple maintains that while developers can inform users of alternative payment options, all digital goods and services sold within the app must use Apple’s own IAP mechanism unless the app qualifies for specific carve-outs, such as the reader app exemption or the external link provision—both of which come with strict guidelines.
In Patreon’s case, Apple insists that any billing outside the IAP must be handled via a link to an external browser, ensuring that the actual transaction occurs outside of the iOS app environment.
Developer Frustration Mounts
This incident has reignited frustration within the developer community. Many argue that Apple’s policies limit innovation, pricing flexibility, and direct customer relationships. Patreon, which supports millions of creators worldwide, sees in-app payments as a critical tool to reduce friction and improve conversion rates—benefits lost when redirecting users to a web browser.
The situation highlights a core tension: while Apple cites user safety and platform integrity, developers see a closed ecosystem that favors Apple’s financial interests.
Regulatory Spotlight
Apple’s app store policies are under global regulatory scrutiny, especially in the EU under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and similar antitrust investigations in the U.S. and Asia. These rulings have started pushing Apple to relax restrictions on third-party billing in certain regions, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Conclusion
Apple’s demand for Patreon to move its billing outside the iOS app underscores the tech giant’s continued grip over digital commerce within its ecosystem. As the creator economy grows and platforms like Patreon look to own more of the payment experience, the standoff with Apple is far from over. The outcome of these conflicts will shape the future of mobile app monetization and the balance of power between platform owners and digital businesses.
