Apple to Soon Take Up to 30% Cut From All Patreon Creators in iOS App

[SilmarilFinder]

Note: This image has been edited to include a pile of cash.

At this point the cash feels less like an edit and more like documentary accuracy.

 

[bcortens]

GoFundMe is in the app store. Does Tim Cook want 30% of every donation to go to Apple as well?

don't give him ideas

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

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.

Completely agree.
And I also don’t really get the argument that this is something that Apple really needs 30% of.
I understand if an in app purchase adds more functionality to an application or unlocks certain features that Apple would want a cut of that, totally with them there even if I think 30% is still kind of ridiculous for an app purchases.
This though? This makes absolutely no sense.
My money isn’t going to features that the App Store or Apple’s SDK requires to be unlocked, it’s not like a new level in a game or anything like that.
It is very specifically to give the money to the creators for their content. It shouldn’t be treated any different than if I were to go to Amazon and purchase a DVD, which Apple would absolutely not get any cut of.

 

[Abydos]

I don't recall ever buying trough the App Store

 

[The_Gream]

I used to make comments about how I can buy games for my PS via the PS app on my phone, and Somy didn’t pay a % to Apple because of where the digital good was ‘consumed’. Edit: (forgot to wrap this thought up) The issue is these are ‘digital’ goods being consumed (assuming) on an Apple device.

As someone else has already said, companies need to move back to Web Apps, which have been a viable options since the iPhone came out. Or they could go the ‘reader app’ direction and have customers sign up on the web.

Clearly the app developers/companies would rather complain of ‘unfair terms’, then move to Web Apps which have 0% commission to Apple.

 

[Rradcircless]

While is this is quite tacky, I’m surprised it wasn’t already a thing as it is the App Store norm. When I heard that Patreon had an app I wondered how it handled the adult content and memberships. I never got around to installing the app. Only ever use the website.

 

[ResolutionNZ]

Interesting that this isn't in a political subforum...

 

[klasma]

I believe the workaround is to subscribe online, and then have the app.

Yep, never subscribe through an app if it’s a third-party cross-platform service.

 

[aidler]

I never use an iOS device to set up a subscription if there is another way. I always try to use a browser. Easy fix...
Be vigilant and always make sure that Apple receives as little money as humanly possible.

 

[Ursadorable]

And Apple wonders why they keep drawing the ire of the EU.

 

[ridgero]

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.

Yeah, feed the ultra rich even more at any cost and milk the people dry!

 

[The African]

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?

Data tracking is the reason why every company seems to want an app for everything. They possibly cannot get this data through a browser - especially when ad and tracking blockers are ever so popular

 

[kkclstuff]

They paid to build and maintain the platform. Those costs aren't just absorbed in perpetuity because you bought an iPhone a few years ago.

Buy a phone! how about a top end MacStudio and ASD, a iPhone Pro, an iPad Pro, as well as all the equipment accessories it takes to get content in and out of a Mac... and NOW ENDLESS SUBSCRIPTIONS cause buying the apps isnt enough? You're clearly not a creator and have no idea whats involved in presenting online.

 

[andrewxgx]

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.

reasonable? patreon itself take 10%.

 

[sweetandsour1]

@MacRumors I'm not commenting on the rights or wrongs of this action by Apple. But I don't believe that "editing" a pre-existing photo to add an underhand emotional jibe to a story is a professional way of reporting. Please just present the facts and let readers comment. If you're giving an opinion piece, make it clear that this is what you are doing, and not reporting.

 

[HuskerNKS]

Not defending this, but Apple is a business. Their only responsibility is to profits and the shareholders. If people keep paying they will find a new way to raise revenues and profits. No exceptions.

 

[klasma]

I don't think Patreon should even be an app. Build a nice PWA and let users subscribe there. Am I missing something?

Notifications are significantly limited for PWAs on iOS. I mostly use Patreon in the browser, but have the app installed for notifications.

 

[carrrrrlos]

Curious when this marketplace model will come to an end - the writing must be on the wall, so capitalize whilst ye can Tim.

 

[AppliedMicro]

You don’t expect Walmart to not get a commission when you sell something at their store.

When I buy a toaster from Walmart, I don’t expect them to charge a commission on every slice of bread 🍞 I toast in it.

0% is reasonable. ACCEPT IT or continue licking boots.

Once I’ve collected my delivery from Walmart (installed an app), it’s none of Walmart’s (Apple’s) business anymore.

 

[contacos]

I am surprised they don't charge for only fans subscriptions via the Safari browser at this point

 

[PixelPanda]

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.

lol this is insane levels of Stockholm syndrome. I like Apple, but nobody deserves anything in this world. Eveything is up for debate.

 

[JonYo]

30% is and has always been unreasonable. I hope Patreon doesn't acquiesce to this, and if their app gets banned, just let everyone go to their mobile website. Maybe all the TONS of other apps that don't need to be apps and can just be a mobile website will follow suit.

 

[Speed38]

Apple's greed is unseemly, to say the least. What a bunch of bloodsuckers!

 

[klasma]

Not defending this, but Apple is a business. Their only responsibility is to profits and the shareholders.

This is not true. Companies have a societal responsibility as well, since they benefit from said society. More importantly, they are accountable for what we as a society are holding them accountable for.

 

[tomtad]

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's not just a store though, it's a platform.

Yes you could make your own. But mobile platforms there are only two worldwide. The barrier to entry is so high that it's pretty much impossible to create your own, hell even Microsoft tried and gave up.

Using that position to then extract exorbitant fees is called exploitation. And if you can't see than then, as you say, deal with it.