Apple recently removed a large number of apps that did not comply with the new Digital Services Act (DSA) requirements, requiring developers to display their merchant status and provide accurate contact information.
Strict rules for developers
As of February 18, 2025, all apps distributed on the EU App Store must comply with the new DSA guidelines. Apple now requires every developer to declare their merchant status and provide detailed contact information – postal address, telephone number, and email address – visible in the app's listing.
This measure aims to increase the transparency and accountability of app providers, ensuring users have a better understanding of the entities behind each product they install. This information must appear below other app details, such as age ratings and supported languages.
A blow to small developers
Small businesses and independent developers are the most affected by this directive. Many of them previously used virtual offices or PO boxes to avoid disclosing their personal information. Now, these practices are subject to stricter controls by Apple.
According to Articles 30 and 31 of the DSA, any developer generating revenue through the App Store (paid downloads, in-app purchases, advertising) is considered a merchant. Only non-profit or personal use applications are exempt from this categorization.
According to Appfigures, nearly 135,000 apps have become inactive across all EU Member State App Stores in the past few hours.
Apple faces compliance challenges
For Apple, enforcing these rules is a strategic challenge, but one that is essential to maintaining its business in Europe. The firm has attempted to facilitate the transition through communications and notifications to developers. Despite As a result of these efforts, many apps have been removed.
However, one door remains open: developers can re-enter the EU App Store by providing the required information and validating their status with Apple. It remains to be seen how many will overcome this barrier, seen by some as an additional bureaucratic obstacle.
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