Substack writers can now direct U.S. readers to (often cheaper) web-based subscriptions on iOS

Substack, the popular newsletter subscription platform, is set to leverage a recent change in the U.S. App Store that allows users to purchase subscriptions through external websites instead of Apple's in-app purchasing system. This development stems from a rule modification made in May, following Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Apple. Several major applications, including Spotify, Patreon, and the Amazon Kindle app, have already embraced this new functionality, enabling them to direct users to their own payment systems. With this update, Substack aims to benefit both its creators and subscribers. Content creators on the platform are no longer required to pay Apple's commission on web-based sales, potentially lowering prices for consumers. Substack creators will now have the flexibility to offer their readers a choice between Apple’s in-app payment system and the newly available external payment option, all without leaving the app. The platform has indicated that it will adjust subscription prices within the iOS app to account for Apple’s fees, ensuring creators maintain the same earnings as they would from web subscriptions. However, writers have the option to disable this automatic adjustment. For those transitioning subscribers from Apple’s payment system to the web-based model, Substack is providing tools to assist in the migration. Currently, over 30,000 publications on Substack have enabled in-app purchases, and the company has noted that early testing of these new payment options has resulted in a surge in paid sign-ups, though specific figures have not been disclosed. It is important to note that the external payment option will primarily affect new subscriptions. Existing Substack writers are not obliged to make changes unless they wish to adjust pricing for users utilizing Apple’s system. According to Apple’s App Store regulations, completely opting out of in-app purchases is not an option. While these changes are specific to the U.S. market, Substack is still assessing whether to adopt the more intricate rules available in the EU and U.K. for developers looking to bypass in-app payments.