The creator platform Patreon has to modify its app to comply with Apple's guidelines, after a recent update that allows our users to make purchases over the web.

The company said its own web-based checkout option is now the default for U.S. fans, but its app must be updated to enable this checkout option in an external browser according to Apple's instructions.

This creates more steps for fans who want to pay directly with Patreon, but it still allows the company to give up paying 30% of the 30% commission on off-app purchases.

Patreon first updated its app shortly after a court ruling in Apple's scripted legal battle, which forced Apple to support external payments in apps released on its U.S. app store without charging a commission. Last week, the Patreon iOS app (version 125.5.0) added an option that allows users to pay online using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and even Apple Pay.

These options appear in in-app browsers, providing Patreon users with a more seamless checkout experience. Patreon's checkout stream is now open in an external browser, which is a change based on Apple's feedback Patreon.

Additionally, the company said the creators of the old billing model can also accept payments through Patreon's iOS app.

Previously, Apple did not support billing models outside of subscription billing and required exclusive use of its own in-app purchase system. This limits creators’ choices on older billing models, such as monthly and daily charges, Patreon said.

With the update, creators will be able to use these billing options on iOS, which could have a significant impact on their bottom line.

Patreon said that within a week, U.S. fans will be able to purchase membership of these creators at the hierarchy set by iOS apps. (However, creators still need to provide subscription bills to sell new memberships outside the United States)

Currently, the company notes that at present, about 95% of active creators are already using subscription bills because it allows them to use other tools such as free trials, discounts, gifts, hierarchical rework, autopilot, and more. But now it can meet the remaining 5% of the needs.

It says that due to this new flexibility, the deadline for Patreon to convert creators to subscription billing is no longer valid. Last August, Patreon said Apple had already converted all creators to Apple's iOS in-app purchase system or deleted from the App Store by November 2025.

"We have had a close conversation with Apple and continue to advocate for a more flexible approach that gives creators more time and choice," Patrane shared in a blog post. "The November 2025 deadline is no longer valid due to recent rulings and changes to Apple's end, and as of today, no new deadline has been set. This means that so far we can provide creators with more time and flexibility in when, where and how we can solve the initial problem," it said, which prevents them from initially converting. ”