Last year, Apple announced a significant update to the App Store in the EU, requiring developers to provide their contact details to customers in certain situations. As the deadline approaches, Apple is now removing apps from developers who have not submitted their ‘trader’ contact information from the EU App Store.
Updated Requirements for Developers Distributing Apps on the EU App Store
In a communication to developers, Apple indicated that those who failed to submit their trader details have had their apps removed from the App Store within the European Union. Consequently, these apps are no longer accessible for download by users in the EU.
This requirement is part of a broader set of regulations for online platforms introduced by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), stipulating that companies must verify and display the contact information of any “merchant” distributing digital applications. Naturally, this impacts the App Store. Apple clarifies that a developer is classified as a trader under EU definitions if they generate any revenue from their app.
This encompasses not only direct earnings from App Store sales but also income from in-app purchases or ads. Developers distributing free apps without advertisements are exempt from providing such details.
For individual developers, the EU App Store will present their address or P.O. Box, alongside their phone number and email address. Organizations only need to provide a phone number and email address. This information will be visible on each app’s page in the App Store.
Developers can verify their trader status and submit their contact details to Apple through App Store Connect.
