Apple Just Removed 135,000 Apps across EU App Stores
The deadline came, and Apple didn’t hesitate.
Over 135,000 apps vanished from EU App Stores overnight, casualties of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The new rule? Developers must publicly list their address, phone number, and email to keep their apps live. No compliance, no app.
Apple made it crystal clear: as of February 18, 2025, any app without a verified “trader status” is gone. And they’re not coming back until developers cough up the required details.
While the DSA aims for transparency, it’s hitting small and indie developers the hardest. Many work from home, relying on a simple support email rather than sharing personal contact details. Now, they’re scrambling for solutions—virtual offices, coworking spaces, and burner numbers—just to stay compliant without sacrificing privacy.
The rule applies to any app that makes money—whether through in-app purchases, ads, or even one-time downloads. Hobby projects? Exempt. But if you’re running an app like a business, the EU wants you to show your face—or at least your business address.
Now, users can find this “trader info” nestled between an app’s age rating and supported languages—an extra layer of transparency for consumers.
Apple had been warning developers for months, so this massive takedown shouldn’t come as a shock. Still, the impact is undeniable. If you’re a dev with an EU audience and your app just disappeared, it’s time to update those details—or risk being left in the App Store graveyard.
