Apple has renewed its demand that Patreon creators switch to subscription billing via the App Store by November 1, 2026. Patreon said it "strongly disagrees" with the move, calling out Apple for repeated policy reversals affecting creators’ billing models.

Previously, Patreon operated in a gray area, allowing creators to avoid Apple’s 30% commission on payments made outside the App Store. Now, Apple is ending that flexibility, citing strict enforcement of its In-App Purchase rules. Patreon warned that non-compliance risks removal from the App Store.

Only 4% of creators use the impacted legacy billing, but the shift could still disrupt revenue streams. Fans can still sidestep Apple fees by signing up through mobile browsers. The move reinforces Apple’s longstanding control over app monetization on iOS.

Industry observers expect more friction as Apple tightens billing policies. Some see this as part of a broader push to maximize App Store revenue amid increased regulatory scrutiny and developer backlash.