Important: Read If You Use Patreon on iOS
Added 2024-08-12 20:19:54 +0000 UTCHelllllo Rivans.
Patreon has just informed me that Apple have informed them that they're being difficult. Specifically that Apple insists that any purchases on iOS go through their own in-app system. This means that Apple's App Store will be subjecting all purchases to their massive bloody 30% fee.
First off, this should not affect ANY existing memberships. If you are currently pledging through iOS, Patreon/Apple say your payments will not increase.
Any NEW memberships/pledges through iOS will be subject to an additional fee; each tier price will automatically adjust to incorporate this new fee so Apple can feel good and powerful.
Patreon will be including an option for Creators to absorb this fee increase themselves, thus not increasing the tier prices for iOS users, but neither Patreon nor I recommend it. Apple are trying to gouge their own profit from the users of their apps. I sympathise with anyone who has no choice but to use iOS, but I cannot afford to lose ~30% of my income from iOS users just because Apple wants to be greedy and controlling.
My advise to any iOS users of Patreon: Use Patreon another way.
I'm an Android user, personally, so I don't know much about how iOS works. Hopefully it's as simple as accessing Patreon via iOS' internet browser, rather than their dedicated app. If not, then a computer or some other device is your best bet.
I apologise for the inconvenience of this, but I fully blame corporate greed coming down from literally the most valuable company in the world.
My hope is that Patreon's iOS users abandon the Apple app en masse, maybe making some blip on their radar, maybe teaching them not to do greedy stuff like this. But that's a faraway dream.
I appreciate your support, and I hope this doesn't impact you or how you pledge.
- Geran 'Gar1onriva'
Patreon announcement: https://news.patreon.com/articles/understanding-apple-requirements-for-patreon?utm_campaign=240812-IAP-SB-SimplifiedBilling&utm_medium=email&utm_source=iterable
Comments
How Apple treats apps is likely part of why Android has over twice the market share Apple does when it comes to cellphones. Sadly, with as popular as apps are on phones I doubt they'll change their policy, especially as few companies do when it makes them boatloads of money even at the risk of souring part of their customer base.
Cohasset Alicorn
2024-08-13 06:06:55 +0000 UTC
