If you’re in the EU and some of your favourite apps have vanished from the App Store, there’s a reason.
Apple has removed thousands of apps that failed to comply with new Digital Services Act (DSA) rules, which require developers to disclose their address, phone number, and email.
Since 18 February 2025, as per the announcement to developers, apps without this trader information were pulled from the EU App Store and won’t return until developers provide and verify their details.
Nearly 137,000 apps have gone inactive in response, according to analytics firm Appfigures.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The DSA ruling applies to any app that makes money, whether through paid downloads, in-app purchases, or ads.
While larger companies had no trouble complying, independent developers have been hit the hardest. Many work from home and don’t want to share personal details publicly.
To comply, some have registered virtual offices, PO boxes, or coworking spaces as their business addresses, while others use virtual phone numbers to avoid listing private contact details.
For apps that remain available, the trader details now appear in the app’s info section, below the age rating and supported languages.
Apple has made it clear: no compliance, no app. If one of your go-to apps is missing, it’s likely because the developer hasn’t met the new requirements or has chosen not to return at all.
