Substack adds iOS in‑app purchases

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

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.