This message applies only to those who have their own "White label" app published in both the App Store and Google Play. It does not affect those using Ventla’s standard app (our "container solution") directly from the store.
Dear Customer,
Until now, our customers’ iOS/iPhone apps have been hosted under their own Apple accounts, while the Android versions continued to be published via Ventla’s Google Play account. We initially chose this approach because Apple’s publishing process has historically been more complicated, and this arrangement helped in not complicating things further.
However, as Google’s requirements have grown more involved (while still remaining simpler than Apple’s), it has become clear that hosting your app under your own Google Play account offers significant advantages. Not only will it streamline the process moving forward, but it will also provide more flexibility and opportunities for your organization.
This change brings several positive benefits:
Clearer Branding: Your app will appear under your own organization’s name in the Google Play Store, strengthening your brand presence and making it easier for users to recognize it as uniquely yours.
Reduced Risk: Managing your app under your own account helps isolate any potential issues, ensuring other customers’ apps remain unaffected—this keeps your app environment more secure and stable.
Enhanced Marketing Opportunities: With your own Google Play account, you can explore new ways to promote and market your app. We’d be happy to discuss potential strategies to help you make the most of this opportunity.
What does this mean for you in practice? If your organisation already has a Google Play Developer account, great! We can easily transfer your app there. If not, setting up a new account is simple, and we’ll provide instructions shortly. You’ll just need to invite us as a user so we can continue assisting with updates and publishing.
Fortunately, managing a Google account is generally less cumbersome than managing an Apple account. Aside from the initial transfer (and for some, setting up a new account), this transition shouldn’t add to your workload—quite the opposite, it will ultimately give you more control and options.
Good to know: While Apple charges $99 per year for an account, Google only charges a one-time fee of $25, making it a cost-effective investment in your brand’s future.
We’re excited about this positive step forward and look forward to supporting you throughout the transition. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at jacob@ventla.io.
Kind regards, Jacob at Ventla
The below only applies to White Label app clients (your own app in AppStore and Google Play).
Under the EU’s new Digital Services Act (DSA), Apple now requires Account Holders to declare whether they’re acting as a “trader” for apps available in the EU.
This quick update needs to be done by February 17, 2025 to keep your app available to the European Ventla team (for support purposes and more) or live in EU countries.
For the full rundown, check out Apple’s guidelines here: Manage European Union Digital Services Act trader requirements.
First, log in to Apple Developer (https://developer.apple.com/account) and verify that the address listed under “Membership details” (further down the page after signing in) matches the address associated with your legal entity name (and the account name).
If the information under "Membership details" is NOT correct, DO NOT PROCEED, but instead contact jacob@ventla.io for further guidance.
Once confirmed;
Log in to App Store Connect (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com) using your Account Holder credentials.
Go to the Business section.
You should see a banner at the top prompting you to declare your trader status—just click on it to get started.
Choose one of the following and then click Next:
“I’m a trader under the DSA”
“I’m not a trader under the DSA or I don’t plan to distribute in the EU”
Submit, and if nothing else you’re done! Please note: Depending on your response, Apple may ask you for additional details.
Please Note: We can’t provide any legal advice or make determinations about your business status, so if you’re unsure about your trader status, Apple Support may be one place to get answers: https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/contact-us. You’re also welcome to reach out to jacob@ventla.io, though please keep in mind Jacob may not have all the details on Apple’s requirements.
Also, please check for any other banners prompting your attention in App Store Connect and try to resolve those as well. If you’re unsure what to do, feel free to contact Jacob at the email above.
