How Creators Can Turn Apple’s Jan 28, 2026 Re‑imposed IAP Mandate (via Patreon) into Predictable Revenue — A Tactical Playbook

Quick timeline & what just changed

• Apple first pushed Patreon to adopt App Store subscription billing in earlier years; creators were given transition windows and then delays. ^[2]
• On Jan 28, 2026 Apple re‑issued a deadline that requires Patreon to ensure all creators on legacy billing move to IAP‑based subscription billing by November 1, 2026 — meaning Apple will process (and take a cut of) in‑app payments if creators want subscriptions purchasable inside the iOS app. ^[3]
• Context: Apple charges commission rates that can be up to ~30% for IAPs (with reduced rates for Small Business and some programs). If Apple processes the transaction, that fee materially changes your net per‑subscriber economics. ^[4]

Numbers that matter — a simple, real example

Before you act, run the math. Use this template to estimate net revenue per subscriber after Apple, platform and processor fees.

Note: calculations are illustrative; exact Patreon/Apple splits vary by account, legacy plan, and Apple program eligibility (Small Business, mini‑apps, Advanced Commerce API). If you do IAP inside iOS, Apple may also take a different percentage depending on programs you qualify for. See Apple and Patreon docs for specifics. ^[9]

Three strategic options (high‑level playbook)

1) Keep in‑app discoverability, but shift the economics (short term)

• Raise iOS price to cover Apple’s cut inside the app, but offer a lower web price for direct signups. Example: iOS price = $6.49, web price = $5.00 with explanation “cheaper on web.” This preserves App Store discoverability while steering price‑sensitive customers off‑app.
• Use Apple’s retention offers API to present canceled users with a special web discount if they leave the app (Apple allows retention messages/offers). Implement to reduce churn. ^[10]
• Be explicit in your app description and onboarding: “Best price & perks at yoursite.com — sign up there.” Apple rules allow some communication but check App Review guidance carefully.

2) Push direct, own the customer (medium term — highest margin)

• Primary idea: move subscription asks to your website (mailing list + payment via Stripe/Gumroad/Ko‑fi) so payments don’t go through Apple and your net improves (see numbers above). Stripe’s standard processing is 2.9% + $0.30. ^[11]
• Concrete flow:
  1. In every video/post, capture email with a landing page offering an onboarding freebie or trial.
  2. Send a 3‑email sequence converting to web subscription with special bonus (welcome Q&A, exclusive micro‑course, merch coupon).
  3. Provide clear instructions for iPhone users on how to access web content (deep links + “open at yoursite.com in Safari”).
• Tradeoff: you give up some onboarding friction and in‑app conversion, but you gain ~20–30%+ margin per subscriber vs IAP scenarios.

3) Hybrid / platform diversification (safety + growth)

• Keep a presence in the App Store (for discovery) but use cross‑platform subscription tooling (RevenueCat, Paddle, or your own Connect) to unify entitlements and allow customers to sign up on web while using in‑app features. This reduces double payments and keeps a single account system. (Paddle/RevenueCat integrations are being adopted for this exact reason.) ^[12]
• Move premium content into formats Apple supports natively (podcasts via Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, video on TV with Substack-style apps) where platform economics or discovery might justify the Apple cut. Example: use Substack’s TV app for long‑form video and keep direct subscriptions on your site. ^[13]
• Create non‑payment incentives to convert app users off‑app: one‑time merch, early access to drops, community seats, or live Q&As that require web access.

Step‑by‑step migration checklist (30–90 day tactical plan)

• Days 0–7: Audit: count how many patrons come from iOS (analytics), list which tiers are sold in‑app, and identify legacy billing users. Pull payout and churn data. (Patreon dashboards + your web analytics.) ^[14]
• Days 7–21: Build the web flow — landing page, Stripe (or Gumroad) checkout, email capture, and a migration offer for existing patrons. Test payments and web‑to‑account linking.
• Days 21–45: Communication push: email current patrons, pin in‑app posts, and publish a public plan (transparency reduces churn). Give an incentive to move off‑app (discount, exclusive content, merch). Provide simple step‑by‑step how‑to for iPhone users.
• Days 45–90: Automate: use tools (RevenueCat / Paddle) to keep entitlements synced for users who sign on the web and still use your app. Monitor conversion and adjust offer sizes. ^[15]

Examples from creators who successfully migrated (short case studies)

Common questions creators ask

Will Apple kick my app if I point users to a cheaper web price?

Apple’s rules have changed a lot since 2024; you can link to web payments in many regions and present retention offers, but the specifics depend on your app type and the App Review interpretations. Don’t rely on loopholes — instead use clear wording and follow Apple’s guidance. Consult a specialist if you have large revenue at stake. ^[20]

Should I immediately stop offering subscriptions in the app?

No. That can kill discovery and impulse conversions. Instead use a staged approach: offer both, optimize the web flow, and gradually incentivize off‑app conversions while monitoring churn and LTV.

Pricing decision cheat‑sheet (quick)

• Small creator (<$1M/year): aim for Apple Small Business eligibility (15%) if you must use IAP. ^[21]
• If <10% of your traffic is iOS in‑app, prioritize web conversions first.
• Use clear dollar math: if Apple takes X% and platform takes Y%, add X+Y+processor buffer (0.5–1%) to your in‑app price or offer web discounts to offset.

Further reading & reference links

• Apple App Store Small Business Program (commission details). ^[23]
• Patreon: context on subscription billing and prior updates. ^[24]
• Stripe pricing (US standard transaction costs). ^[25]
• TechCrunch: Apple re‑imposes Patreon IAP deadline (Jan 28, 2026). ^[26]