How the EAA 2025 Impacts Mobile Apps

How Does the EAA Impact Mobile App Owners?

Mobile app owners are heavily impacted by the EAA because digital platforms play a huge role in day-to-day accessibility needs. Specifically, the EAA requires that digital services, including mobile apps, meet the WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. This applies to aspects such as app navigation, text readability, screen-reader compatibility, and the overall user interface.

Key Implications:

• Design Adjustments: Apps must follow inclusivity principles to ensure they work seamlessly for users with disabilities, including visual, auditory, and motor impairments.
• Testing: Beyond app functionality, developers must test for compliance with accessibility standards, such as perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness (POUR principles from WCAG).
• Competitive Advantage: An accessible app isn’t just compliant, it also opens doors to a broader user base and demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.

Does the EAA Apply to UK Apps?

Although the UK is no longer a member of the EU, the European Accessibility Act still applies to UK apps that target or serve EU customers. This means UK-based businesses must ensure their apps meet the EAA’s accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance, to continue operating in EU markets.

Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million are exempt from these regulations. However, medium and large businesses face strict obligations, making compliance essential to avoid penalties and maintain access to the EU’s large consumer base.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with the EAA has serious implications. Each EU member state enforces the rules individually, and penalties can range from fines to outright bans on the sale of your products or services.

Consequences can include:

• Financial Fines: Fixed penalties (e.g. €5,000–€250,000) or fines based on turnover. Some countries also impose daily penalties for unresolved issues.

• Reputational Damage: Non-compliance could tarnish your brand’s image, particularly among accessibility-conscious users and advocates.

• Restricted Access to Markets: Regulators may block your app from operating in specific EU countries until it complies with the act.

• Legal Risks: Non-compliance may also result in contractual terminations or lawsuits.

Steps App Owners Need to Take to Comply

Achieving compliance with the European Accessibility Act for your mobile app requires a structured approach. Here are the steps to ensure your app meets the EAA requirements:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Before taking action, examine your app’s existing accessibility levels. An accessibility audit reviews areas where your app may fall short of compliance. Use automated tools alongside manual checks to ensure all potential issues are flagged.

2. Focus on WCAG 2.2 Compliance

Ensure your app aligns with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. Some of the most crucial elements to look at include:

• Text readability: Provide options to adjust font size and contrast.

• Keyboard navigation compatibility: Users with physical impairments should be able to easily interact with the app.

• Alternative media descriptions: Include alt text for images and captions for video content.

3. User Testing with Accessibility in Mind

Engage users with various disabilities in your app testing process. Their insights can help pinpoint issues not easily detected through automated tools.

4. Create an Accessibility Statement (Optional)

Make it clear that accessibility is a priority for your business. Publish an accessibility statement on your app’s website or within the app itself, outlining compliance statuses, limitations (if any), and your improvement roadmap.

5. Schedule Ongoing Compliance Monitoring (Optional)

Compliance isn’t a one-and-done task. Accessibility needs evolve as new technologies and updates emerge. Set up regular testing intervals to ensure your app continues to meet EAA requirements over time.

Need Help to Ensure Your App Complies with the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act 2025 places a spotlight on inclusivity, and mobile app owners have a unique chance to lead by example. If you need assistance with EAA compliance, Red C is here to help. We can update your application to ensure it includes accessibility features that not only adhere to the EAA but also make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate your app.

For more information on how we can assist you in complying with the EAA, please contact us here.