Creator platform Patreon will need to change its app to comply with Apple guidelines after a recent update has made it possible for users to purchase via the web.
The company says its own web-based checkout option is the default, but you will need to follow Apple’s instructions to update the app so that this checkout option opens in an external browser instead.
This creates more steps for fans who want to pay directly using Patreon, but still allows the company to allow Apple to have to pay 30% fees on in-app purchases.
Patreon first updated the app shortly after the Apple-Epic Legal Battle court ruling. This forced Apple to support external payments for apps published in the US app store without billing. Last week, the Patreon iOS app (version 125.5.0) added an option that allows users to pay via the web using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and even Apple Pay.
These options are displayed within the in-app browser and provide a seamless checkout experience for Patreon users. Currently, Patreon’s checkout flow opens in an external browser instead. Patreon is a change made based on Apple’s feedback.
Additionally, the company says creators of older billing models can also accept payments through Patreon’s iOS app.
Previously, Apple did not support billing models other than subscription billing and had to use its own in-app purchase system exclusively. According to Patreon, this limits the options for creators of legacy billing models, including first month and per-knowledge billing.
The update will allow creators to use these billing options on iOS, which could have a significant impact on the final outcome.
Within a week, Patreon says US fans can purchase memberships from these creators at prices set in the iOS app tier. (However, creators must offer subscription billing to sell new memberships outside the US)
The company notes that around 95% of active creators are currently using subscription billing. This allows you to use other tools like free trials, discounts, slips, tier relication, and autopilot. But now we can address the remaining 5% needs.
Because of this new flexibility, the Patreon deadline to switch to Patreon subscription billing is no longer valid, it says. Last August, Patreon said that by November 2025, Apple had given a deadline to either switch all creators to Apple’s IOS in-app purchase system or close risk removal from the App Store.
“We continue to have close conversations with Apple and advocate for a more flexible approach, offering creators more time and choice,” Patreon said in a blog post. “As a result of the recent rulings and changes at the time of Apple’s exit, the November 2025 deadline is no longer valid, and as of today, no new deadlines are set. This means that for now, creators can give more time and flexibility in when and how to switch, while at the same time working to solve the issues that they blocked them from switching first.”