Last year, Apple introduced a significant modification to the App Store in the EU, mandating that developers provide their contact information in certain situations. With the deadline now here, Apple is removing apps from developers who have not supplied their ‘trader’ contact details from the EU App Store.
New requirements for developers distributing apps on the EU App Store
In communication exchanged with developers, Apple has indicated that those who have not shared their trader status have seen their apps removed from the EU App Store, making them unavailable for download to users in that region.
This obligation is part of a series of new regulations for online platforms as outlined by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which stipulates that companies must verify and publicly display contact details for any “merchant” distributing digital applications. Naturally, this impacts the App Store as well. According to Apple, a developer qualifies as a trader under EU law if they earn any revenue from an app.
This encompasses not only direct income from App Store sales but also in-app purchases or ad revenue. Only developers who distribute free apps without advertisements are exempt from providing such information.
For independent developers, the EU App Store will display their address or P.O. Box, phone number, and email address. Organizations, however, are only required to provide a phone number and email address. This data will be accessible on each app’s page within the App Store.
Developers can verify their trader status and submit their contact details to Apple through App Store Connect.
