New EU regulation: Apple removes 137,000 programs from the App Store

New EU regulation Apple throws 137,000 programs out of the App Store 25.02.2025, 01:29

The EU decides that app providers must provide more data about themselves. Because many do not comply with the request, their applications disappear from Apple's App Store. Making the programs available again is extremely easy.

Apple has made a rigorous cleanup in response to new EU regulations: around 137,000 apps have disappeared from the European App Store in the last week. The background to this is the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), which places stricter requirements on app providers.

The DSA requires app providers who earn money with their applications to disclose specific contact information. Previously, an email address was often sufficient, but in the future a telephone number and, for individuals, a postal address will also be required. This is intended to increase transparency and security for users.

Apple had already warned app developers in mid-January that anyone who did not update their "trader" status in accordance with the DSA risked being removed from the digital store. As of February 17, Apple has now made good on this threat. According to the app analysis company Appfigures, more than 137,000 applications are affected, as the industry portal "Techcrunch" reports.

EU regulation provides for an exception

Small and independent developers in particular seem to be wary of the bureaucratic effort. Many do not provide their full contact details - either due to data protection concerns or because of the additional administrative work involved.

Apple emphasizes that the regulation applies regardless of whether developers are subject to sales tax or how they generate revenue. Exceptions only exist for hobby developers who do not have commercial intentions.

To get their apps back into the store, developers must update their status and submit the required contact information via App Store Connect. They must also confirm that the products or services offered comply with EU requirements. Apple will then check the data and reactivate the program. The company has not provided any information on how long this will take.