Apple on Thursday began reminding developers of another change to the European Union App Store, but this one has been viewed as quite controversial. Starting in October, developers who are considered “distributors” will have to provide updated address and phone number details, which will then be visible to everyone in the EU App Store.
Further changes in the App Store in the EU
This change is not due to a decision by Apple, but a requirement of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which sets a set of rules for online platforms. For example, the DSA requires Apple and other companies to verify and display the contact information of all retailers who distribute digital apps. And of course, this affects the App Store.
According to Apple, a developer is considered a merchant under EU regulations if it generates revenue from an app. This includes not only direct revenue from App Store sales, but also in-app purchases or advertising. In other words, only those who distribute free apps without advertising do not have to provide such information.
For individual developers, the DSA requires the EU App Store to provide their address or PO box, phone number and email address. For organizations, only the phone number and email address are required. Users can find this information directly under the description of each app in the App Store.
Unsurprisingly, many developers are unhappy with this change. Many small developers do not have a dedicated phone number or address for their work and are required to provide their personal information. Unfortunately, Apple cannot do much about this as it only complies with EU regulations.
Starting October 16, 2024, every developer will be required to provide their merchant information to submit new apps or app updates to the App Store. Developers who do not provide merchant information to Apple by February 17, 2025, will have their apps removed from the App Store in the EU. For more details, visit Apple’s website.
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