Patreon is requiring its content creators to adopt a new payment system because of Apple's rules. The platform announced on Wednesday that Apple has reinstated its demand for all creators to use subscription-based billing, with the cutoff date set for November 1, 2026.
In a blog post about the update, Patreon expressed strong opposition to the move. The company stated that creators require stable and predictable conditions to develop sustainable ventures. However, those relying on older payment methods will face yet another abrupt shift, marking the third alteration from Apple within the last 18 months.
Previously, Patreon's payment approach existed in an ambiguous zone, permitting creators to collect payments from supporters directly without incurring Apple's charges. TechCrunch initially reported the matter as related to accessing paid material, noting that only certain creators provided in-app viewable content. A Patreon spokesperson on Wednesday explained this ambiguity stemmed from Apple's in-app purchase system not accommodating several of the platform's established payment options.
Apple has now firmly reinstated its subscription requirement, closing off that ambiguity. Patreon noted that Apple is committed to upholding this rule. Toward the end of last year, Apple halted an update to the Patreon app and indicated that compliance with its payment policy was necessary to stay on the App Store. With millions of users relying on iOS devices to interact with Patreon and its creators, the platform cannot afford to have its app suspended or excluded entirely.
Patreon's reference to policy instability is well-founded. Apple introduced the requirement initially in 2024, setting a transition deadline of November 2025, which Patreon reluctantly followed. Yet, the company reports that Apple informed it in May of the previous year that the 2025 timeline was off the table. This latest development suggests another turnaround.
On a positive note, only about 4 percent of Patreon's creators depend on the legacy payment systems impacted by this. Supporters can still avoid Apple's charges on iOS devices by signing up through the iPhone's web browser. Patreon's full announcement provides additional guidance for affected creators.
Apple's current stance as a strict enforcer of App Store payments seems minor compared to other recent controversies. For instance, it pulled the ICEBlock application and one that recorded ICE detentions in October. More troubling is an app category that the firm, which promotes privacy as fundamental, has refused to eliminate. Applications like Grok and X, along with reportedly many others, enable iPhone users to digitally alter images of actual individuals, including minors, in undressing simulations. As many as 28 advocacy organizations urged Apple to delete these apps, but the company has not acted.
Adding to the scrutiny, Apple CEO Tim Cook chose Saturday—the same day federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti—to appear at a White House showing of the film Melania. During the event, he took a photo with the movie's director, Brett Ratner, who faces rape allegations.
Update, January 28, 2026, 5:22 PM ET: This article has been revised to better explain the operational ambiguity of the Patreon app prior to Apple's modifications.