Apple removes over 135,000 apps from EU app stores
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force provisionally back in August 2023, setting out a set of rules for online platforms and the goal of consumer protection. The DSA came into force for all online platforms on February 17, 2024, with Articles 30 and 31 requiring app developers to indicate their “merchant status” to submit new apps or app updates for distribution on EU territory.
To comply with the directive, Apple required developers to indicate their merchant status by Monday, February 17, 2025, or their apps would be removed from the App Store.
According to data from Appfigures, over 135,000 apps were removed from app stores in EU member states in the last two days whose developers had not provided merchant data. This would be the largest removal of apps from the platform since its launch.
Any app that makes money on the App Store through downloads, in-app payments, or advertising is considered a merchant. Organizations must provide their phone number, email address, and address associated with their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Individual developers need their address, phone number, and email address. The removed apps remain hidden until their developers update their merchant status through the App Store Connect platform.
