Top Highlights
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In-App Purchases: Substack now enables users to subscribe to any paid publication directly through its official iOS app, streamlining the subscription process significantly.
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Higher Costs: Subscriptions via in-app purchases may be more expensive due to Apple’s revenue cut, although creators can adjust their prices in the app settings.
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Alternative Subscription Method: Users can also subscribe to creators through external payment links, permitted by a recent legal ruling, offering a potentially cheaper option.
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Testing Success: The feature was effectively tested with 30,000 creators, indicating a strong demand for easier subscription methods on the platform.
Substack has expanded its options for iOS users. Now, subscribers can purchase any paid newsletter directly through the iOS app. This update comes after a successful trial with 30,000 creators, signaling strong interest in the feature.
Overall, this change speeds up the subscription process. Users simply tap their smartphone screens to complete the purchase. Previously, accessing paid subscriptions wasn’t always seamless within the app, which often led to frustration.
However, there’s a significant downside. Substack adjusted its pricing for iOS subscriptions to account for Apple’s fees. As a result, users may face higher prices than they would through other methods. Substack states that it “automatically sets” these prices so creators receive a similar amount. Still, creators can adjust their rates in the app settings to better align with their goals.
Furthermore, alternatives exist for budget-conscious subscribers. Apple now allows iOS apps to include external payment links, thanks to a legal decision following a lawsuit from Epic Games. While this method takes slightly longer, it offers a more cost-effective solution.
In summary, Substack’s move reflects the ongoing evolution of app-based services. As more users seek convenient ways to access content, these developments are likely to resonate within the digital subscription landscape.
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