Starting this October, developers will be required to provide their most recent name and address information in the Apple App Store. The tech giant is asking developers to update their information quickly.
The mandatory listing of developers’ addresses and phone numbers is imposed on Apple in the European Digital Services Act (DSA). As of October, the EU considers developers ” merchants”, making the listing mandatory.
According to Apple, a developer is a “merchant” when it earns revenue from an app published in the App Store. This includes not only direct revenue from sales of the app in question but also in-app purchases from users and from advertisements. Only providers of free (iOS) apps are not required to provide personal information.
Information to be supplied
The necessary information to provide is an address or PO Box number, as well as a phone number and an email address. For organizations, only a phone number and an e-mail address are required.
The obligation is controversial since many small developers have no contact information other than their private data. However, they are required to provide it.
Necessary for adding new apps
The new measure will also affect the publication of apps in the European Apple App Store. Starting Oct. 16 this year, every developer will have to provide their trade details to add new apps or app updates to the App Store.
If developers do not provide details, Apple will start removing their apps from the App Store in the EU as of Feb. 17, 2025.
Also read: Apple modifies App Store policy again for DMA: what’s changing?