Creator platform Patreon has launched an updated version of the app that allows users to purchase via the web through Apple-Epic Court, which forces Apple developers to include links to alternative payment formats without being subject to Apple’s committees.
Previously, with version 125.4.1 of Patreon’s iOS app, users who want to subscribe to the creator’s membership plan must do so using Apple’s in-app purchases. See:
The updated version released on Monday (version 125.5.0) allows users to purchase via the web, allowing them to pay with other payment methods such as credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and other Apple Pay.
On the other hand, the option to use Apple’s own in-app purchase method is only visible in very small text under the large, bold “Merge” button. This change could lead to more customers being directed to pay through the Patreon website, rather than Apple’s in-app purchases.
In response to comment, Patreon confirmed that the app’s update has been approved and is currently being deployed to US users.
Users who update the app should check out the new checkout experience within 24 hours, the company told TechCrunch. However, the company previously said it had submitted an update to Apple for approval to allow web payments and was waiting for the update to be approved.
These changes follow a major victory in the legal battle fought by Fortnite Maker Epic Games, which affects the way app developers process payments on iOS.
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On April 30, a US court ruled that Apple was no longer allowed to prevent app developers from linking to alternative payment mechanisms from within the app. As a result, Apple will need to update App Store developer guidelines for US developers, such as Spotify and the Amazon Kindle app, to embrace newly improved apps. The Amazon Kindle app links to external websites where consumers can choose to pay directly to the app publisher.
Patreon also quickly celebrated his victory at the time. The creators also say they can keep more money if they don’t have to pay Apple’s committees at the time of purchase.
Patreon said another recent update shared with the community that its subscription billing transition plan is pending. Last August, Patreon said that by November 2025, Apple had given a deadline to either switch all creators to Apple’s IOS in-app purchase system or close risk removal from the App Store. Now, the company believes that this change is no longer necessary.
“This is still a developing situation, but we are moving forward under the assumption that the November 2025 deadline for all patreon creators to switch to subscription billing is no longer necessary,” the company said in an update to support documents and a Decode post shared with creators. “While there could be additional information that would change Apple’s requirements for Patreon’s iOS app, we are optimistic that the ruling gives us additional flexibility in how we support creators of legacy claims models. However, for now, creators will need to make a subscription claim to accept payments through the Patreon iOS app.”
In the meantime, Patreon still offers to help creators who want to move to subscription billing.
Additional Report: Amanda Silberling
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