EU AppStore New Rules: Developers Must Provide Trader Information or Face App Removal

EU AppStore New Rules: Developers Must Provide Trader Information or Face App RemovalApple began notifying developers on Thursday that a significant change is coming to the AppStore in the EU. From October 16, 2024, EU app "traders" must provide updated email and phone number data, which will be displayed to every user accessing the EU AppStore

EU AppStore New Rules: Developers Must Provide Trader Information or Face App Removal

Apple began notifying developers on Thursday that a significant change is coming to the AppStore in the EU. From October 16, 2024, EU app "traders" must provide updated email and phone number data, which will be displayed to every user accessing the EU AppStore. This change stems from the requirements of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which designates developers as traders when they generate any revenue through their app.

This means that not just direct revenue from AppStore sales but also in-app purchases or advertising income qualifies. In other words, only developers of free apps without ads are exempt from providing this information.

For individual developers, the DSA requires EU AppStore apps to provide the developer's address or email, phone number and email address. For company developers, only phone number and email address are required. Users can find this information below the description of each chargeable app on the AppStore.

From October 16, 2024, every eligible Apple app developer in the EU market must provide their trader details in order to submit new apps or app updates to the AppStore. If developers fail to provide trader details to Apple by February 17, 2025, their apps will be removed from the EU AppStore.

This new regulation means developers need to update their apps to comply with the DSA requirements. They need to ensure their apps include updated contact information and display this information on the AppStore. Failure to update this information in time could result in their apps being taken down.

Apple's move aims to ensure EU users have access to more information about app developers, increasing user trust. It also demonstrates Apple's compliance with the DSA requirements in the EU market.

For developers, this change means adjusting their operational strategies to accommodate the new rules. They need to ensure their apps comply with the latest requirements and update relevant information timely to prevent app removal.

Furthermore, developers must keep abreast of the latest developments and changes in the DSA and related regulations and adjust their operational strategies accordingly to ensure their apps can continue to operate in the EU market.