After adding its own billing option on iOS, Apple asks Patreon to move it to an external browser

Summary

Creator platform Patreon has to modify its app to comply with Apple’s guidelines after a recent update allowed U.S. users to make purchases via the web. The company says that its own web-based checkout option is now the default for U.S. fans, but it has to update its app so that this checkout option opens in an external browser instead, per Apple’s instruction. This creates more steps for fans who want to pay using Patreon directly, but it still allows the company to forgo having to pay Apple a 30% commission on in-app purchases. Patreon first updated its app shortly after a court ruling in the Apple-Epic legal battle that forced Apple to support external payments in apps published on its U.S. App Store without charging commissions. Last week, the Patreon iOS app (version 125.5.0) added an option that let users pay via the web using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and even Apple Pay. These options appeared within an in-app browser, providing a more seamless checkout experience for Patreon users. Now, Patreon’s checkout flow opens in an external browser instead — a change Patreon made based on Apple’s feedback. In addition, the company says creators on older billing models will also be able to accept payments through Patreon’s iOS app. Image Credits:Patreon Previously, Apple didn’t support billing models outside of subscription billing, and it required the exclusive use of its own in-app purchases system. That limited the options for creators on legacy billing models, like first-of-the-month and per-creation billing, Patreon says. With the update, creators will be able to use those billing options on iOS, which could make a significant impact on their bottom line. Within the week, Patreon says that U.S. fans will be able to purchase memberships from these creators at the price they’ve set for their tiers in the iOS app. (However, creators will still need to offer subscription billing to sell new memberships outside the U.S.) Curre...