Delta debuts its Patreon-supported gaming app update after US App Store policy change

Tech Crunch - May 7th, 2025

Delta, a game emulator app, is capitalizing on a recent court decision regarding Apple's App Store by integrating direct links to its Patreon membership page within its app. This update, approved for the U.S. App Store, allows users to subscribe to Delta's Patreon without Apple taking a cut from these transactions. This development is a result of a court ruling that mandated Apple to open its App Store to external purchases after a legal battle with Epic Games. Though Apple won most aspects of the lawsuit, the court found it non-compliant in handling in-app purchases, prompting rule changes.

This adjustment in policy has significant implications for app developers, particularly smaller ones who can now retain more profits by utilizing external payment methods like Patreon. Larger companies such as Spotify and Amazon Kindle have also updated their apps to bypass Apple's commission. Delta's move exemplifies new monetization models emerging for mobile apps, potentially revitalizing the App Store amidst declining indie app development. While Delta still offers Apple's in-app purchase option, it's less prominently featured, reflecting tactics Apple itself has employed, like hiding consumer-friendly settings within layers of menus. Delta's successful approval suggests a potential increase in similar app strategies in the future.

Epic Games Apple App Store Court Ruling Delta App Patreon External Purchases App Monetization

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a comprehensive and accurate account of a timely and relevant development in the tech industry. It effectively communicates the implications of a recent court ruling on Apple's App Store policies, particularly for indie developers. The article is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to a general audience. However, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and a deeper exploration of potential controversies. By including more diverse viewpoints and addressing potential drawbacks, the article could offer a more nuanced analysis of the issue. Overall, it is a well-researched and engaging piece that contributes to ongoing discussions about digital commerce and app store practices.

Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, with its claims well-supported by the available data. It correctly reports the recent update to the Delta emulator app that allows users to subscribe to Patreon directly from within the app, bypassing Apple's commission. This update is indeed linked to a court ruling that forced Apple to allow external payment links, as detailed in the story. The article mentions the reduced commission from 30% to 27%, which aligns with the factual background of Apple's policy changes. However, the story could benefit from more precise dates and further details about the court case to enhance verifiability.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by highlighting both the benefits for smaller developers and the potential challenges they face. It discusses how the policy change could foster new business models and emphasizes the impact on indie developers. However, it leans slightly towards praising the benefits for developers without equally considering potential drawbacks, such as security concerns or user experience issues with external payment links. A more balanced perspective could include Apple's rationale for its previous policies and any counterarguments from critics of the ruling.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to follow. The logical flow of information helps readers understand the significance of the Delta update and the broader implications of the court ruling. However, some technical terms, such as 'sherlocks' and 'scare screens,' could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with app development jargon. Providing brief definitions or examples would improve clarity and accessibility.

Source quality

The article references credible and authoritative sources, such as the court ruling and statements from Delta's creator, Riley Testut. These sources are relevant and provide a strong foundation for the claims made. However, the article could improve by including direct quotes or statements from Apple or legal experts to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation. This would enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly stating the basis for its claims and providing context for the court ruling and its implications. However, it could improve transparency by explicitly mentioning the sources of its information, such as the specific court documents or public statements from involved parties. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, such as relationships between the publication and the parties involved, would further enhance transparency.