Substack Writers Can Now Direct US Readers to Cheaper Web-Based Subscriptions on iOS: A Game-Changer for Content Creators

The newsletter publishing landscape just experienced a significant shift that could save both writers and readers money. Substack has officially rolled out support for external web-based payments on its iOS app for US users, allowing content creators to bypass Apple's traditionally expensive in-app purchase system. This development represents a major victory for digital content creators and marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between app developers and Apple's App Store policies.

What's Changed: Breaking Down Substack's New iOS Payment Options

Starting today, Substack writers in the United States can offer their iOS app readers two distinct subscription paths: the traditional Apple in-app purchase system or a new web-based payment option that often comes with significant cost savings. This change stems directly from Apple's recent App Store policy modifications in May 2025, which resulted from Epic Games' successful antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant.

The new system allows readers to access external payment options without leaving the Substack iOS app, creating a seamless user experience while potentially reducing subscription costs. This represents a fundamental shift in how subscription-based apps can operate within Apple's ecosystem.

Why This Matters: The Economics Behind the Change

Apple's 30% Commission Problem

Historically, Apple has charged a 30% commission on all in-app purchases, including subscription fees. For Substack writers, this meant that a $10 monthly subscription would result in $3 going to Apple, $1 to Substack (their standard 10% fee), leaving the creator with only $6. This hefty commission structure has long been criticized by developers and content creators as excessive.

The Cost Savings for Subscribers

With web-based subscriptions, readers can potentially save significant money on their monthly newsletter subscriptions. Since Apple's 30% commission is eliminated from the equation, Substack automatically adjusts iOS app prices higher to account for Apple's fees, ensuring creators maintain the same revenue while giving subscribers a choice between convenience and cost.

For example:

• Web subscription: $10/month
• iOS in-app purchase: $14.29/month (adjusted to account for Apple's 30% cut)
• Savings for choosing web payment: $4.29/month or over $51 annually

How the New System Works

For Substack Writers

Content creators now have enhanced control over their subscription offerings:

1. Automatic Price Adjustment: Substack automatically inflates iOS app prices to compensate for Apple's commission
2. Opt-out Capability: Writers can disable the automatic price adjustment if they prefer
3. Migration Tools: Substack provides tools to help writers transition existing subscribers from Apple's payment system to web-based payments
4. Dual Payment Options: Writers can offer both payment methods simultaneously

For Subscribers

iOS users now enjoy greater flexibility in how they pay for content:

1. In-App Convenience: Traditional Apple payment system for those who prioritize convenience
2. Web-Based Savings: External payment option for cost-conscious subscribers
3. Seamless Access: Both options accessible directly within the iOS app
4. Transparent Pricing: Clear indication of price differences between payment methods

The Broader Impact on Digital Publishing

Following Industry Leaders

Substack joins a growing list of major platforms taking advantage of Apple's revised App Store rules. Notable companies that have already implemented similar external payment options include:

• Spotify: Now offers pricing information and external payment links
• Patreon: Implemented web payment options for US users
• Amazon Kindle: Added external purchase buttons for book purchases

Revenue Implications for Creators

This change could significantly impact creator economics across the platform. With over 30,000 publications currently enabled for in-app purchases on Substack, the potential for increased creator revenue is substantial. Early testing by Substack has reportedly shown increased paid subscription sign-ups, though specific metrics haven't been disclosed.

SEO and Marketing Implications for Substack Writers

Enhanced Value Propositions

Writers can now market their newsletters with more competitive pricing, especially when targeting mobile users. This pricing flexibility could be a significant competitive advantage when attracting new subscribers who comparison shop across platforms.

Content Marketing Opportunities

This development provides excellent content marketing material for newsletter creators:

• Create comparison posts showing savings potential
• Develop educational content about subscription options
• Use cost savings as a subscriber acquisition tool

Search Engine Optimization Benefits

Writers should optimize their content around relevant keywords:

• "affordable newsletter subscriptions"
• "cheaper Substack alternatives to iOS"
• "newsletter subscription cost savings"
• "Substack web payments vs app store"

Technical Implementation and User Experience

Seamless Integration

The new system maintains Substack's commitment to user experience. Subscribers can access both payment options directly within the iOS app without being redirected to external browsers or losing their reading session. This seamless integration addresses one of the primary concerns about external payment systems: user friction.

Migration Process

For existing subscribers currently using Apple's payment system, Substack provides migration tools that allow smooth transitions to web-based payments. This process is designed to be writer-initiated, giving content creators control over when and how they transition their subscriber base.

Limitations and Considerations

Geographic Restrictions

Currently, this functionality is limited to US users only. Substack is evaluating whether to implement similar systems in the EU and UK, where Apple offers different (and more complex) rules for developers wanting to bypass in-app purchases.

Mandatory IAP Compliance

Per Apple's App Store requirements, completely opting out of in-app purchases isn't permitted. Substack must continue offering Apple's payment system alongside the new web-based options, ensuring iOS users always have access to Apple's native payment infrastructure.

Platform-Specific Benefits

This change specifically benefits iOS users, as Android users already had access to alternative payment methods through Google Play's more flexible policies.

Strategic Implications for Content Creators

Competitive Positioning

Writers can now position themselves more competitively against other newsletter platforms and content subscription services. The ability to offer genuinely cheaper subscription options could be a decisive factor for price-sensitive audiences.

Revenue Optimization

Creators should consider their subscriber demographics when implementing these changes:

• Price-sensitive audiences: Benefit significantly from web-based payment promotion
• Convenience-focused users: May prefer sticking with Apple's streamlined payment system
• Mixed audiences: Can benefit from offering both options with clear explanations of the trade-offs

Long-term Platform Strategy

This development signals Substack's commitment to creator-friendly policies and revenue optimization. Writers should view this as part of Substack's broader strategy to compete effectively against other newsletter platforms while maximizing creator earnings.

What This Means for the Future

Industry Precedent

Substack's implementation of external payments sets an important precedent for other subscription-based platforms. As more apps take advantage of Apple's revised policies, we can expect to see similar cost-saving opportunities across various digital content platforms.

Potential Platform Evolution

This change may accelerate the development of more creator-friendly features across Substack's platform, as the company continues to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive newsletter publishing market.

Apple's Ecosystem Changes

The success of platforms like Substack in implementing external payment systems may influence Apple's future App Store policies, potentially leading to even more flexible payment options for developers and users alike.

Actionable Steps for Substack Writers

Immediate Actions

1. Review Your Pricing Strategy: Analyze your subscriber base to determine optimal pricing for both payment methods
2. Communicate Changes: Inform your audience about the new payment options and potential savings
3. Test Migration Tools: Experiment with Substack's migration tools to understand the process
4. Monitor Performance: Track subscription conversion rates across both payment methods

Long-term Optimization

1. Content Marketing: Create content explaining the benefits of web-based subscriptions
2. Subscriber Education: Develop resources helping readers understand their payment options
3. Pricing Experiments: Test different pricing strategies now that you have more flexibility
4. Platform Diversification: Consider how this change affects your overall platform strategy

Conclusion: A Win-Win for the Substack Ecosystem

The introduction of web-based payment options on Substack's iOS app represents a significant win for the entire ecosystem. Writers gain more control over their pricing and potentially higher revenue, while subscribers enjoy more affordable access to quality content. This change also demonstrates the positive impact that antitrust enforcement can have on digital platforms, creating more competitive and creator-friendly environments.

As the digital publishing landscape continues evolving, developments like this highlight the importance of platform policies in shaping creator economics. For Substack writers, this represents not just a new feature, but a strategic opportunity to optimize their business model and better serve their audience.

The key to success will be thoughtfully implementing these new options while maintaining the quality and value that subscribers expect. Writers who can effectively communicate the benefits of web-based subscriptions while respecting subscriber preferences for payment methods will likely see the greatest benefit from this significant platform update.

---

This blog post covers the latest developments in Substack's iOS payment options. For the most current information about Substack's features and policies, visit their official support documentation.