Apple Developer Program: DSA Compliance in 2025

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a landmark EU regulation that took full effect in early 2024, and its implications for Apple Developer account holders are significant. If you publish apps on the App Store targeting European Union users, understanding DSA compliance is no longer optional — it's a requirement enforced directly through Apple's developer platform.

This guide covers what DSA means for your account, what Apple requires, and how to stay compliant in 2025.

What Is the Digital Services Act?

The DSA is an EU regulation aimed at creating a safer digital environment. It places obligations on online platforms, marketplaces, and app stores — including Apple's App Store — to increase transparency about who is selling or distributing digital products to EU consumers.

Apple, as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU, is subject to the most stringent DSA requirements. This directly affects every developer who distributes apps through the App Store.

What Apple Requires for DSA Compliance

Apple now requires all developers who distribute paid apps or apps with in-app purchases to EU users to submit trader status information. This is handled through App Store Connect.

Specifically, Apple asks you to declare whether you are:

• A Trader — a professional selling to consumers (requires full business/personal information)
• A Non-Trader — not engaged in commercial activity (private individual, non-profit, etc.)

What Traders Must Provide

If you declare as a Trader, Apple will collect and display the following on the App Store for EU users:

• Legal name (individual or company)
• Primary address
• Email address
• Phone number
• For companies: VAT or business registration number

DSA and Corporate vs Individual Accounts

The DSA requirements apply to both Individual and Corporate Apple Developer accounts, but the implications are different:

Individual Account

If you use an Individual account and declare as a Trader, your personal name and address will be shown publicly on the App Store. Many solo developers are uncomfortable with this level of personal data exposure.

Corporate Account

With a Corporate account, your company name and registered address are shown instead. This is the preferred setup for any serious commercial app publishing, as it protects personal privacy and looks more professional to consumers.

This is one of the strongest arguments for using a Corporate account if you're targeting EU markets.

What Happens If You Don't Comply?

Apple enforces DSA compliance directly through App Store Connect. If you fail to submit your trader status information:

• Your apps may be removed from the EU App Store
• You may be unable to submit new app updates until compliant
• App Store Connect will show warnings about non-compliance

Apple sent notifications to all affected developers starting in early 2024 with deadlines to submit their information. If you haven't already done this, it's urgent to address it.

How to Submit DSA Information in App Store Connect

1. Log into App Store Connect at appstoreconnect.apple.com
2. Go to Business → Trader Status
3. Select your trader status (Trader or Non-Trader)
4. If Trader: fill in your legal name, address, email, phone, and VAT/registration number
5. Submit and wait for Apple's review (typically 1–3 business days)

DSA for Apps with Free and Paid Content

The DSA requirements apply primarily to apps that monetize EU users. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Free apps with no In-App Purchases: Lower risk, but Apple may still require trader status for some categories
• Paid apps: Full trader status required
• Apps with In-App Purchases or subscriptions: Full trader status required
• Free apps by non-profits or individuals not in commerce: May qualify as Non-Trader

Summary: What You Need to Do

• ✅ Log into App Store Connect and check your Trader Status section
• ✅ Determine if you're a Trader (commercial activity) or Non-Trader
• ✅ If Trader: submit accurate legal information
• ✅ Consider using a Corporate account to protect personal privacy
• ✅ Keep your information up to date — Apple may re-verify periodically