https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/patreon-apple-tax/ Skip to Content Mac RumorsMac Rumors Got a tip for us?Let us know * a. Send us an email * b. Anonymous form * close MacRumors * Front Page * Roundups + AirPods 4[1x1] + AirPods Max[1x1] + AirPods Pro 3[1x1] + Apple Deals[1x1] + Apple Pay[1x1] + Apple Pro Display XDR[1x1] + Apple Studio Display[1x1] + Apple TV[1x1] + Apple Vision Pro[1x1] + Apple Watch 11[1x1] + Apple Watch SE 3[1x1] + Apple Watch Ultra 3[1x1] + CarPlay[1x1] + HomePod[1x1] + HomePod mini[1x1] + iMac[1x1] + iOS 26[1x1] + iPad[1x1] + iPad Air [1x1] + iPad mini[1x1] + iPad Pro[1x1] + iPadOS 26[1x1] + iPhone 16[1x1] + iPhone 16e[1x1] + iPhone 17[1x1] + iPhone 17 Pro[1x1] + iPhone 18[1x1] + iPhone Air[1x1] + Mac mini[1x1] + Mac Pro[1x1] + Mac Studio[1x1] + MacBook Air[1x1] + MacBook Pro[1x1] + macOS Tahoe[1x1] + watchOS 26[1x1] * Guides * How Tos * Reviews * Buyer's Guide * Forums [ ][Submit] * iOS 26 * macOS Tahoe * iPadOS 26 * iPhone 17 * iPhone Air * iPhone 17 Pro * iPhone 16e * iPhone 16 * MacBook Pro * Apple Vision Pro * iMac * Mac mini * HomePod * Apple TV * iPad Pro * AirPods 4 * Apple Pro Display XDR * Apple Watch Ultra 3 * HomePod mini * Mac Pro * MacBook Air * iPad * AirPods Max * AirPods Pro 3 * Apple Deals * Apple Studio Display * Apple Watch 11 * Apple Watch SE 3 * Mac Studio * iPad Air * iPad mini * iPhone 18 * CarPlay * Apple Pay * watchOS 26 All > * Front Page * Roundups * Guides * How Tos * Reviews * Buyer's Guide * Upcoming Products * Forums * Archives * Tips / Contact Us * Apple to Soon Take Up to 30% Cut From All Patreon Creators in iOS App Wednesday January 28, 2026 11:15 am PST by Joe Rossignol Apple has set a new deadline of November 1, 2026 for all Patreon creators to switch from Patreon's legacy billing system to the App Store's in-app purchase system in the Patreon app on the iPhone and iPad, as reported by TechCrunch. Tim CookingNote: This image has been edited to include a pile of cash. Patreon is a platform where creators such as YouTubers can receive payments from fans, which can be a valuable revenue stream alongside ads and sponsorships. Apple initially told Patreon that its creators must move to the App Store's in-app purchase system by November 2025, or else Patreon would risk removal from the App Store, but the deadline was pushed back. Apple considers payments from supporters to creators on Patreon to be digital goods that it is entitled to receive a commission on. Apple receives a 30% commission on in-app purchases and subscriptions, but this drops to 15% for a subscription that has been ongoing for more than a year. Patreon gives creators the option to either increase their prices in the iOS app only, or absorb the fee themselves, keeping prices the same across platforms. On the iPhone and iPad, Patreon users who wish to support a creator can sidestep the App Store's commission by completing their payment via Patreon's website. Patreon said it is disappointed with how Apple has navigated this policy. According to TechCrunch, only 4% of Patreon creators are still using the platform's legacy billing system, with the rest having already switched over. Patreon has shared a FAQ with more details for creators. Tags: App Store, Patreon [ 276 comments ] Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox. [ ][ ][Subscribe] Popular Stories imac video apple featureimac video apple feature Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026 Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by Joe Rossignol Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided... Read Full Article iPhone 5siPhone 5s iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by Juli Clover Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,... Read Full Article * 131 comments Second Generation AirTag FeatureSecond Generation AirTag Feature Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by Joe Rossignol Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new... Read Full Article * 242 comments Apple Creator StudioApple Creator Studio Apple's Next Launch is Today Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by Joe Rossignol Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium... Read Full Article Apple Logo SpotlightApple Logo Spotlight Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by Joe Rossignol 2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ... Read Full Article * 76 comments Top Rated Comments averagenerd81 Avatar averagenerd81 1 day ago at 11:26 am That's how the system works. You don't expect Walmart to not get a commission when you sell something at their store. 30% is reasonable. DEAL WITH IT. Don't like it? Make your own phone and platform. It still amazes me the lengths people will go to in defending the ultra wealthy. Score: 114 Votes (Like | Disagree) aloysiusfreeman Avatar aloysiusfreeman 1 day ago at 11:17 am I believe the workaround is to subscribe online, and then have the app. Anyways, ridiculous stuff. Score: 89 Votes (Like | Disagree) delsoul Avatar delsoul 1 day ago at 11:21 am I knew Tim Cook was greedy, but this is in a league of its own. Score: 80 Votes (Like | Disagree) neptuna Avatar neptuna 1 day ago at 11:21 am Time for companies to stop building apps for things that don't need apps. I don't think Patreon should even be an app. Build a nice PWA and let users subscribe there. Am I missing something? Can't Patreon just be a web app? What are the benefits of it being a mobile app? Score: 79 Votes (Like | Disagree) CalMin Avatar CalMin 1 day ago at 11:28 am I sort of agree with @alchemistmuffin, but there needs to be some middle ground or flexibility by Apple. For a company whose values I generally align with, they are like evil monsters when it comes to AppStore revenue. 30% is and was reasonable when the appstore first opened. The value prop for developers was: * no more boxed software, * no physical media to manufacture, * no payment processing issues, * no fraud management, * no credit card payments/fees * no running websites to provide downloads or updates, * no server security issues to handle, * no stupid license management, * no generating license codes, tech support crap from people who couldn't find their license when re-installing etc.. Just write your app, sell it through the store and get paid (less the Apple commission.) --- But - there are situations like this where, frankly, the right thing to do is NOT to skim off these sorts of payments. It is pure rent-seeking and it is beneath Apple and their espoused values to operate like. I say this as an absolute fan of the company. Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree) now i see it Avatar now i see it 1 day ago at 11:20 am There are two things guaranteed in life: Apple taxes and death to older Apple devices. Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree) Read All Comments Next Article apple pay promo flowers Apple Pay Promo Offers Discount on Valentine's Day Flowers Guides ios 26 sidebar square iOS 26 Features Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 26, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features. ios 26 2 sidebar square iOS 26.2 Features Reminder alarms, more Liquid Glass tweaks, AirDrop improvements, and more. macos tahoe 26 square sidebar 50 macOS Tahoe Features New features and lesser-known changes to check out if you're upgrading. iphone 17 air pro vs square sidebar iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone Air Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy? * Apple Intelligence Guide * Image Playground Guide * iPhone Mirroring Not Working? * 21 Time-Saving iPhone Tips * 14 macOS Tips to Make Your Life Easier * One AirPod Not Working? See more guides Upcoming iphone 17e square sidebar iPhone 17e Early 2026 A19 chip, MagSafe, and perhaps a Dynamic Island instead of a display notch. apple tv square Apple TV Early 2026? Upgrade to A17 or newer chip with Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's new N1 wireless networking chip. apple home hub square sidebar Smart Home Hub Early 2026? Squarish 7-inch screen for controlling smart home products, listening to music, making video calls, and more. homepod mini sidebar square HomePod mini Early 2026? Faster chips and new colors expected. * Low-Cost MacBook * MacBook Air * MacBook Pro * Studio Display * Mac mini * Mac Studio * iPhone 18 Pro * Foldable iPhone See full product calendar Other Stories iPhone 5s Why Apple Just Updated an iPhone From 2013 1 day ago by Tim Hardwick Apple Event Logo Apple's Next Launch is Today 1 day ago by Joe Rossignol airtag purple Apple's Old AirTag Misses Out on New Feature 2 days ago by Joe Rossignol space black mbp Buying a New MacBook? You May Want to Wait 2 days ago by Joe Rossignol Apple Card iPhone 16 Pro Feature Apple Card Users Given a 24-Month Warning 2 days ago by Joe Rossignol [macrumors-simple-logo-light][macrumors-simple-logo-dark] MacRumors attracts a broad audience of both consumers and professionals interested in the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple platforms. About MacRumors.com Advertise on MacRumors Our Staff Arnold Kim Editorial Director Email * Twitter Eric Slivka Editor in Chief Email * Twitter Juli Clover Managing Editor Email * Twitter Joe Rossignol Senior Reporter Email * Twitter Mitchel Broussard Deals Editor Email * Twitter Tim Hardwick Senior Editor Email * Twitter Hartley Charlton Senior Editor Email * Twitter Marianne Schultz Project Manager Email * Twitter Dan Barbera Video Content Producer Email * Twitter Ryan Barrieau Graphic Designer Email *Twitter Steve Moser Contributing Writer Email * Twitter Aaron Perris Contributor Email * Twitter Related Links YouTube [1x1] Apple Creator Studio Explained and Hands On With Final Cut Pro [1x1] iPhone 17 Pro After 4 Months: Battery, Durability, Camera & More [1x1] Apple's Biggest Siri Upgrade Ever Could Rival ChatGPT and Gemini! [1x1] iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Suggest Major Dynamic Island & Face ID Changes [1x1] Running out of storage on your iPhone 17? Try this! The MacRumors Show [1x1] Apple's Upcoming Siri Chatbot and AI Pin! | Episode 179 [1x1] Reflecting on CES 2026, Apple Creator Studio and Gemini-Powered Siri | Episode 178 [1x1] Apple's 2025 Year-in-Review | Episode 177 [1x1] Apple Studio Display 2 and Pro Display XDR 2 Rumors | Episode 176 [1x1] Galaxy Z Trifold vs. Apple's Foldable iPhone | Episode 175 Copyright (c) 2000-2026 MacRumors.com, LLC. Privacy / DMCA contact / Affiliate and FTC Disclosure Accessibility Statement [ Featured On/Off ] [ Full Articles On/Off ] [ Fluid | Fluid HD ] [ Auto | Light | Dark ]