News Summary

Substack has introduced an option for its writers to direct U.S. readers to web-based subscriptions on iOS, potentially offering lower costs compared to Apple’s in-app purchase system. This change follows a May update to Apple’s App Store rules, influenced by Epic Games’ antitrust lawsuit, allowing apps to offer external payment links. Substack creators can now offer the choice between Apple’s in-app payment system and web options, which can be accessed without leaving the app. Substack will adjust iOS app prices to accommodate Apple’s fees, with the option for writers to disable this feature. Substack continues to charge a 10% fee based on web subscription prices. The company also provides migration tools for creators to manage billing information for Apple-managed subscriptions if they leave the platform. Over 30,000 publications on Substack have enabled in-app purchases, and early tests of the payment options have increased paid sign-ups.