The EU has introduced a new set of changes that forces all apps to disclose details about their developers. This includes their address, email, and phone numbers that are visible to consumers on the app store.
Therefore, iPhone maker Apple is making a point to comply with the latest regulation by deleting any apps that fail to follow this requirement of the DSA. This means any apps without trader status being mentioned are removed and therefore must be resubmitted under the latest guidelines if they’d like to be distributed across the market.
In the latest announcement made to developers, the company shared that it’s already removed those apps that failed to comply with the EU App Store rule and will not return once they’re verified by Apple again.
Several developers were impacted by the latest change because many claim they don’t work in app development as a full-time position. As per Appfigures, about 135K apps became inactive on App Stores in the EU in just 30 hours.
Developers were informed about the rule a while back with the deadline being February 17th, 2025 so this shouldn’t come as a major shock or surprise. However, the latest EU law did have a more serious impact on those developers working on a smaller scale who don’t like to put contact details for dealing purposes. Such people usually work remotely and only provide an email ID on the page for matters like customer support or feedback.
As per the Digital Services Act, the platform makes revenue via the App Store and therefore can be deemed as a trader. Now the money could arise through any purchases done in-app, paid downloads, or ads. Similarly, the platform would only qualify if it’s linked to business, trading, or crafts. So anything that’s not really a hobby would be covered through the latest guidelines.
Companies publishing through the App Store in the EU need to display details related to the D-U-N-S Number. On the other hand, independent developers also need to provide their contact details as per the guidelines.
Small-scale developers found themselves with the need to register phone numbers and addresses via third parties to provide greater protection and privacy as per the latest law. For example, any developer makes use of coworking positions, virtual locations, or PO boxes as the address for the company. Others use virtual phone details instead of providing private numbers for matters like publication on the App Store.
Through the App Store in the EU, the latest trader details are found below other details on the app such as age ratings and language for support it’s above the developer website’s link.
Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: WhatsApp To Face More Scrutiny in EU Thanks to Rise in Users on Open Channels
Therefore, iPhone maker Apple is making a point to comply with the latest regulation by deleting any apps that fail to follow this requirement of the DSA. This means any apps without trader status being mentioned are removed and therefore must be resubmitted under the latest guidelines if they’d like to be distributed across the market.
In the latest announcement made to developers, the company shared that it’s already removed those apps that failed to comply with the EU App Store rule and will not return once they’re verified by Apple again.
Several developers were impacted by the latest change because many claim they don’t work in app development as a full-time position. As per Appfigures, about 135K apps became inactive on App Stores in the EU in just 30 hours.
Developers were informed about the rule a while back with the deadline being February 17th, 2025 so this shouldn’t come as a major shock or surprise. However, the latest EU law did have a more serious impact on those developers working on a smaller scale who don’t like to put contact details for dealing purposes. Such people usually work remotely and only provide an email ID on the page for matters like customer support or feedback.
As per the Digital Services Act, the platform makes revenue via the App Store and therefore can be deemed as a trader. Now the money could arise through any purchases done in-app, paid downloads, or ads. Similarly, the platform would only qualify if it’s linked to business, trading, or crafts. So anything that’s not really a hobby would be covered through the latest guidelines.
Companies publishing through the App Store in the EU need to display details related to the D-U-N-S Number. On the other hand, independent developers also need to provide their contact details as per the guidelines.
Small-scale developers found themselves with the need to register phone numbers and addresses via third parties to provide greater protection and privacy as per the latest law. For example, any developer makes use of coworking positions, virtual locations, or PO boxes as the address for the company. Others use virtual phone details instead of providing private numbers for matters like publication on the App Store.
Through the App Store in the EU, the latest trader details are found below other details on the app such as age ratings and language for support it’s above the developer website’s link.
Read next: WhatsApp To Face More Scrutiny in EU Thanks to Rise in Users on Open Channels
