Developers are now required to provide a public address and phone number for the EU App Store

As we reported in August, a change coming to the App Store in the European Union will force developers to provide a public address and phone number that will be visible to customers in the region. As of today, the change is in effect, requiring developers to provide this data to Apple.

New requirements for developers distributing apps on the EU App Store

The requirement is part of a series of new rules for online platforms set out in the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). One of them requires Apple and other companies to verify and display the contact information of any “traders” distributing digital apps. And, of course, this affects the App Store.

Apple says a developer is considered a trader under EU terms when they receive any income as a result of an app. This includes not only direct revenue from sales on the App Store, but also in-app purchases or advertising. In other words, only those who distribute free, ad-free apps will not have to provide such information.

As of today, developers are required to provide their public trader data to submit new apps or updates to the App Store. Otherwise, they will not be able to do so. Apple says that developers who do not provide their public address and phone number by February 17, 2025, will lose their apps from the EU App Store.

Many developers are unhappy that they do not have a specific phone number or address to work with and will have to provide their personal data. Unfortunately, there's not much Apple can do about this, as it only complies with EU requirements.

For individual developers, the DSA requires the EU App Store to display their address or post office box, phone number, and email address. For organizations, only a phone number and email address are required. Users will find this information directly below the description of each app in the App Store.

More information can be found on the Apple Developer website.