- Substack now offers in‑app purchases in its iOS app after a pilot with 30,000 creators, speeding checkout and improving paid sign‑ups
- App Store rules mean Apple handles billing, takes a commission and pays Substack monthly
- Creators can disable in‑app payments or override pricing, but external web links are tightly restricted and revenue management becomes more complex
Substack has switched on Apple in-app purchases across its iOS app, letting iPhone users subscribe to paid newsletters without leaving the app. The rollout follows tests with about 30,000 creators, and industry reports say more than 30,000 publications now have the option enabled. Substack claims the pilot improved paid sign-ups by reducing the friction between discovery and checkout.
For writers and publishers, though, the trade-offs are significant. Apple takes its standard commission and controls billing, renewals and cancellations for any subscription bought in-app. Payments also flow differently: Apple pays Substack monthly, which then passes earnings to creators’ Stripe accounts after receipt.
To offset Apple’s cut, Substack automatically sets iOS subscription prices higher so creators net roughly the same as web sales. Writers can override this in settings, keep the same price as on the web, or disable in-app payments entirely.
TechCrunch notes that US readers may also see an option to use an external checkout link, though Apple’s rules require such links to be static, open in a browser and avoid discouraging in-app purchases.
The result is a more convenient path for subscribers but a more complicated calculus for publishers. In-app checkout may boost conversion and help Substack capture mobile-first audiences, yet higher App Store pricing and split management between Apple and Substack risk confusing customers and squeezing margins.
For independent writers and news publishers alike, the challenge will be to balance ease of use against price perception and revenue protection.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.engadget.com/apps/substack-turns-on-ios-in-app-payment-option-for-all-paid-newsletters-172237507.html?src=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.engadget.com/apps/substack-turns-on-ios-in-app-payment-option-for-all-paid-newsletters-172237507.html?src=rss – Engadget reports that Substack has enabled in‑app purchases across its official iOS app, letting users subscribe to any paid publication directly from their iPhone. The piece notes Substack tested the feature with roughly 30,000 creators before the wider rollout, and says the change makes subscribing much quicker and simpler — often only a few taps. Engadget warns that App Store fees mean in‑app prices may be higher: Substack “automatically sets” iOS prices to offset Apple’s cut so creators keep roughly the same net revenue, though writers can adjust those app prices in settings. The article also mentions Apple’s new allowance for external payment links.
- https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/19718129670420-Can-my-subscribers-pay-on-the-Substack-iOS-app – Substack’s official support article explains how creators can enable Apple’s in‑app payments so readers may buy subscriptions inside the Substack iOS app. It details the differences between App Store and web payments, including Apple service fees, payout timing (Apple pays Substack monthly and Substack deposits earnings to creators’ Stripe accounts after receipt), and subscription management (Apple handles billing for in‑app purchases). The page describes the two pricing choices — adjusted pricing (Substack automatically maps to App Store tiers to preserve creators’ take‑home) or keeping web prices — and confirms creators can toggle in‑app payments on or off in Settings.
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/18/substack-writers-can-now-direct-u-s-readers-to-often-cheaper-web-based-subscriptions-on-ios/ – TechCrunch covers Substack’s move to support external web‑based purchases in the US App Store following Apple’s policy changes after the Epic Games legal actions. The article explains that Substack will offer both Apple in‑app purchases and, where permitted, links to web checkout so readers can choose the cheaper option. TechCrunch reports Substack automatically adjusts iOS app prices higher to compensate for Apple’s fees — preserving creators’ net revenue — and that creators may disable that adjustment. The piece also states that more than 30,000 Substack publications had in‑app purchases enabled during the rollout and that early tests increased paid sign‑ups.
- https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4531432030996-How-can-I-view-a-paid-post-on-the-Substack-iOS-app – This Substack help page explains how readers view and manage paid posts in the iOS app. It clarifies that while some publications in beta offer direct App Store checkout, historically many readers had to upgrade via the web because most subscription changes were not available inside the app. For publications participating in the pilot, the guide lists steps to subscribe via the App Store and how in‑app subscriptions appear under the user’s profile. It also explains that only subscriptions purchased in the app can be modified there (for example switching plans or cancelling), because Apple manages those purchases.
- https://developer.apple.com/support/storekit-external-entitlement-us – Apple’s developer documentation outlines the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (US), which permits apps distributed in the United States App Store to include a single, static link to an external website where users may purchase digital goods or services. The page explains eligibility requirements, the entitlement request process, Xcode and Info.plist configuration, and strict usage rules (the link must open in the default browser, be displayed only once on a single app page, not mimic Apple’s IAP UI or discourage in‑app purchases, and not include redirects or query parameters). It also lists security and review obligations for developers.
- https://9to5mac.com/2024/01/16/apple-revises-us-app-store-rules-to-let-developers-link-to-outside-payment-methods-but-it-will-still-charge-a-commission/ – 9to5Mac reports on Apple’s revised US App Store rules that allow developers to apply for an entitlement enabling a link to outside payment methods, a change driven by legal and regulatory pressure. The article summarises the entitlement’s core constraints — the external link must be static, open in the system browser, appear in only one dedicated location, and not discourage App Store purchases — and notes Apple will continue to collect commissions on in‑app purchases. The story places the policy shift in the context of the Epic Games litigation and explains practical implications and limitations for developers seeking to offer lower‑cost web checkouts.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being August 18, 2025. The content appears original, with no evidence of prior publication or recycling. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the narrative. The absence of quotes suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Engadget, a reputable technology news outlet. This enhances the credibility of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Substack enabling in-app purchases for all paid newsletters on iOS are plausible and align with recent developments in the tech industry. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and consistent with industry trends, with no significant issues identified.
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