Apple reminds developers who distribute apps in the European Union to disclose their merchant status under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This new rule requires the App Store to display each developer’s address, phone number, and email address on its ‌App Store‌ page.

Under the DSA, Apple must verify and publicly display the contact information of all developers classified as “retailers” who offer apps on the ‌App Store‌ within the European Union. This includes all developers who generate revenue through the App Store, whether through upfront purchase costs or in-app purchases, regardless of the size of the developer.

The requirement has raised concerns among developers, especially independent developers and small businesses, as they may not have a separate business address or phone number and are reluctant to publicly disclose personal contact information. However, Apple has made it clear that this is a mandatory rule and the company has no leeway in its implementation.

Starting October 16, 2024, developers will be required to submit their merchant status information before updating their apps. By February 17, 2025, all apps without verified merchant status will be removed from the ‌App Store‌ in the EU until the required information is provided and verified.

Since displaying merchant status under the DSA is a legal requirement in the European Union, Apple’s hands are tied when it comes to enforcing this rule. Developer contact information is displayed on the ‌App Store‌ product page for every app available in the 27 EU member countries.