At the Apple App Store, discover how it complies with the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulations. Explore the average monthly active recipients in the EU and Apple’s voluntary initiatives to align with DSA requirements, guaranteeing consumer protection and promoting a safer online environment

by Liz Rustia

At the Apple App Store in October 2022, the European Parliament and the Council introduced the Digital Services Act (DSA) to establish a Single Market for Digital Services in the European Union. As per this act, Article 24(2) mandates the disclosure of average monthly active recipients of intermediary services within the EU. Accordingly, Apple has provided the following figures, calculated as an average over the six months leading up to January 31, 2023.

• iOS App Store: 101 million
• iPadOS App Store: 23 million
• macOS App Store: 6 million
• tvOS App Store: 1 million
• watchOS App Store: under 1 million
• Apple Books: under 1 million
• Podcasts paid subscriptions: under 1 million

Apple App Store’s Voluntary Alignment with DSA Requirements

Apple views each App Store version as a separate online platform in the DSA. Only the iOS App Store qualifies as a VLOP. Nevertheless, Apple has decided to align all App Store versions, even those not meeting VLOP criteria, with DSA requirements. This decision is due to their shared goal with the DSA to safeguard consumers from illegal content and create a safer digital environment.

Understanding Recipients and Active Engagement

Article 3(b) of the DSA defines “recipients” of an intermediary service as people or entities who primarily use it to seek or access information. This group comprises business users, consumers, and other online platform users. A recipient is “active” when they interact with the service at least once during a specific timeframe. Interaction can include viewing or listening to content and providing information.

Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs)

According to the DSA, online platforms with 45 million or more average monthly active recipients in the EU can be designated as “very large online platforms” (VLOPs). Based on the disclosed figures, only the iOS App Store qualifies as a VLOP, with an impressive 101 million average monthly active recipients.

The Digital Services Act is a significant step towards establishing a harmonized digital market in the EU. As part of compliance with Article 24(2) of the DSA, Apple has provided insights into the average monthly active recipients of its various App Stores. The iOS App Store stands out as a very large online platform with an impressive 101 million active recipients. By voluntarily aligning all versions of the App Store with the DSA requirements, Apple demonstrates its commitment to the safety and protection of its users within the European Union. As technology and digital services continue to evolve, regulations like the DSA play a crucial role in shaping a secure and user-friendly online landscape for all.