Apple said it’s working with Fanhouse to make the app compliant with the App Store’s in-app purchases policy,
The Verge reported.
There’s a disconnect here between Apple and the creator economy. Apple is a middleman and provides the means to download an app. So, in a way, it does make more sense to take a cut from Fanhouse rather than creators themselves. Rice said she’d be willing to give Apple their cut that way.
Again, Fanhouse isn’t the only app that feels the Apple Tax impact. Apple already takes from creators on platforms like Facebook and Twitch who have subscribers using iOS.
Later this year, Twitter is going to be taking 20% from ticketed Twitter Spaces. From that, Apple will take 30% from any tickets purchased with an iPhone.
With so many hands in the pot, maybe this is the time creators will start thinking about owning their own platform.
I know that’s a pretty big reach, but it’s not necessarily a new or revolutionary model. I mean, many creators already do this in some capacity. Platforms are supplemental and not necessarily where they make their money. Why do you think so many influencers have merch?
I’ll be watching what comes out of the Fanhouse and Apple situation. Apple is also in the middle of a lawsuit with Epic Games over App Store fees. Both outcomes, whatever they’ll be, could turn the creator economy on its head so you should be watching too.