Apple has removed thousands of apps from its EU app store so as not to comply with the Digital Services Act, which requires developers to provide a verified address, e email and phone number.
This step is part of Apple’s broader efforts to comply with new rules aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in digital marketplaces. Developers who have not submitted the required information will see their apps delisted before they deliver and verify their trader status.
Why Apple removes apps from the EU App Store
Digital Services ACT, a landmark European law, requires that all retailers who distribute apps in the EU show their contact information – to ensure that consumers can identify and reach businesses more easily.
Apple introduced a requirement for “trader status” for developers revealing their contact information. This information is published on the App Store product page every time an app is available in an EU Member State.
Since October 16, 2024, Apple has demanded the trader status of developers submitting new apps or updates to the EU App Store. It also began to warn that existing apps from developers without business status will be removed from the EU store on February 17, 2025.
Apps are not restored without verified business status
Now that the observation deadline has passed, affected apps will not be reintroduced in the EU App Store “until business status is delivered and verified by Apple.” Developers can submit their details and apply for business status through the App Store Connect.
Organizations will already have indicated their address by submitting their Duns number, but individuals will have to submit theirs along with their number and e -mail, whether they want it on the public mail or not.
Digital Services ACT: What developers need to know
Digital Services ACT has been in effect since 2022; But it was only fully enforceable for all regulated units on February 17, 2024. Before that, it was only “very large” online services – those with over 45 million active users in the EU, including the App Store – had to comply with most provisions.
The specific requirement for developers to declare their trader status also became mandatory for all platforms, including the very large services, on the deadline of February 2024, but they received a 12-month transitional period.
Who qualifies as a trader under DSA?
Articles 30 and 31 of the law require that online platforms collect and verify trade contact information and ensure that they are clearly available to consumers. Dealers are defined as any person or device that offers goods or services in the EU, regardless of their location for commercial purposes.
An app developer can be considered a trader if they:
- Earn revenue from paid apps, purchase in the app or advertising.
- Is registered for VAT in the EU.
- Develop their app professionally rather than as a hobby.
Apple’s wider compliance
In addition to the removal of apps, Apple has taken other actions in the last few months to ensure DSA compliance, including the publication of its DSA transparency report, detailed content moderation and compliance measures. It also established a complaint mechanism so that developers can appeal decisions on content moderation.
Apple’s approach highlights how platforms are forced to adapt to stricter rules on digital accountability and consumer protection.