Patreon update lets U.S. fans bypass Apple’s 30% fee in iOS app, more changes coming

Patreon has released an updated version of its iOS app that allows fans in the U.S. to bypass Apple’s in-app payment system when signing up for new memberships, effectively sidestepping the 30% App Store commission. With the promised update now live (via TechCrunch), U.S.-based fans using the Patreon app can choose a new checkout method for subscriptions that doesn’t rely on Apple’s in-app purchase system. The new option is currently limited to creators using Patreon’s subscription billing model, which bills fans on the date they sign up rather than on a fixed monthly or per-creation schedule. The update provides “alternative checkout options for U.S.-based fans signing up for new memberships,” Patreon says. “At this time, this only applies for creators on subscription billing as legacy first-of-the-month and per-creation billing models are still unable to accept new membership sign ups in iOS.” Patreon says it’s also working quickly to enable alternative payment options for one-tim ... Read full article.