A massive app purge has hit the EU App Store as Apple removes over 135,000 apps for non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). No cyberattacks or system failures were involved. Apple has simply enforced stringent regulations, barring apps that fail to meet new transparency requirements.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which provisionally came into effect in August 2023, officially applied to all online platforms on February 17, 2024. Under Articles 30 and 31, app developers are required to provide their trader status, including verified contact details such as name, address, phone number, and email, to ensure consumer protection and accountability.
To adhere to these rules, Apple set a compliance deadline for developers, requiring them to update their trader status by February 17, 2025. Failure to do so resulted in immediate removal from the EU App Store.
The Scale of the App Removal
According to Appfigures, an app intelligence provider, over 135,000 apps were removed across EU member state App Stores within just 30 hours. This marks one of the largest app removals in Apple’s history, leaving many developers scrambling to meet the new requirements. While the enforcement applies to all revenue-generating apps that are earning from downloads, in-app purchases, or ads, the hardest hit appears to be smaller, independent developers who lack a formal business setup.
Challenges for Independent Developers
For independent developers, the compliance process has proven challenging. Many do not have traditional office spaces or official business registrations, making it difficult to meet Apple’s verification criteria. Some have resorted to using co-working spaces, virtual addresses, or PO boxes to fulfill the requirements. However, this has sparked concerns over privacy, as individual developers must now publicly display their contact information in the App Store.
For organizations, the requirement extends to having a valid phone number, email, and address associated with their Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number.
While the DSA is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in digital services, it has also raised privacy concerns. The mandatory disclosure of contact details has left many small developers uneasy about their personal information being publicly accessible. The enforcement of these regulations underscores the increasing regulatory pressure on digital platforms and signals a shift toward stricter compliance in the tech industry.
What’s Next for Developers?
For developers affected by the removal, the only option is to update their trader status via Apple’s App Store Connect platform to regain access to the EU market. Those who fail to comply risk losing their EU user base indefinitely.
Apple’s move reflects the growing regulatory landscape governing digital platforms, and for developers operating within the EU, compliance is now a necessity rather than an option. As regulations continue to evolve, ensuring adherence to these requirements will be crucial for maintaining visibility in the app marketplace.
