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This was a result of the Apple vs Epic case, external payment processors avoiding the fee were enabled in the US in May 2025.

If it was enabled, why can Apple still demand 30% cut here? Couldn’t Patreon just switch to external payment processors citing the Epic case?

They'd have to require all current subscriptions be cancelled and the re-upped with the new payment processor, no? That's gunna be really costly

But then again to avoid a 30% fee.. probably worth it

Because Patreon doesn't want to do that. They could.

_in the US_

They don't have to "cite the Epic case", it's just functionality available to everyone now. Your app is no longer blocked from approval for including an external payment provider.

They'd actually have to do it though and that could lead to a large loss of revenue for themselves and their subscribers.

In practice I’ve seen apps just game the system by (1) using IAP using the normal flow, and (2) giving user a button unrelated to purchasing that would open a new WebView, which just happens to contain a purchase button.

Spotify does link to their website to sign up in the US...