Apple released some numbers on its European app store, probably to show compliance or to position its store for regulatory purposes. The interesting point about all this is the reliance on iPhones which form the hub for almost all of Apple’s services and software revenues, just going on store numbers alone. The company is getting 100% conversion rates on the tvOS store, for example. That may explain why the company is so eager to find a post-iPhone moment, the mixed reality headset being the obvious contender right now. Flatpaneldisplay has a good take on it bemoaning the fact that Apple TV owners aren’t doing TV app developers much good based on these numbers. It may also be that region by region, Google, local telcos, and ISPs provide a much better option for partnerships on TV apps, and that Europe is not monolithic, even if Apple tends to be, for better or worse.
| Online Platform | Average Monthly Active Recipients in the EU |
|---|---|
| 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 may have provided this information in order to comply with the requirements of Article 24(2) of the DSA. This provision requires digital service providers to disclose the number of average monthly active recipients of intermediary services within the scope of the DSA.
However, it is important to note that Apple has also taken the position that only the iOS App Store meets the criteria for a very large online platform (VLOP) under the DSA, and that the other versions of the App Store do not. Additionally, Apple has stated that it intends to voluntarily align each of the existing versions of the App Store with the DSA requirements for VLOPs.
It is possible that Apple’s statement is an attempt to show its commitment to complying with the DSA and protecting consumers from illegal content, even if some of its platforms do not technically meet the criteria for VLOPs under the regulation. By voluntarily aligning its platforms with the DSA requirements, Apple may be seeking to demonstrate its commitment to the goals of the regulation and to building trust with its users and regulators.
A Digital Services Act Primer
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a new regulation enacted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in October 2022. Its main objective is to create a single market for digital services within the EU by ensuring that digital services providers operate under a set of uniform rules and standards. The DSA aims to balance the interests of digital service providers and their users, while also protecting fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and the protection of personal data.
Article 24(2) of the DSA requires digital services providers to provide information on the average monthly active recipients of intermediary services within the scope of the article. The term “recipients” refers to natural or legal persons who use an intermediary service to seek information or make it accessible, including business users, consumers, and other users. The term “active” refers to recipients who engage with the service at least once in a given period, either by viewing or listening to information or by providing it.
The DSA also imposes new obligations on digital service providers, including:
- Providing transparent and easily accessible terms of service to users.
- Ensuring the removal of illegal content from their platforms in a timely and efficient manner.
- Providing users with effective and accessible complaint mechanisms.
- Ensuring the protection of user data and privacy.
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential harms to users.
- Implementing measures to prevent the spread of illegal content and harmful activities on their platforms.
- Facilitating access to data for researchers and public authorities.
Overall, the DSA is a significant step towards creating a safer and more transparent digital environment in the EU. It provides clear guidelines for digital service providers to follow, which will help to protect the interests and rights of users while promoting innovation and competition. However, the implementation of the DSA will also pose some challenges for digital service providers, who will need to adapt their operations to comply with the new regulations.
