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Question
Do you code-sign/notarize macOS apps?
I'm curious if anyone here sells Mac apps. Looks like I have to pay $99/year to Apple to distribute my Mac app as a download or from the App Store.
If not signed, macOS will force users to open the "Security" tab from "System Settings" to click "Open X app anyway".
On the other hand, this step might be not as trivial since they already bought the app from the website and are interested in opening it anyway. Once a certain sale level is reached, I can purchase a license and sign it.
What's your opinion on this? Is it best to sign apps from the beginning? or it's fine to sell without code-signing?
Upd: solved, see the comment below.
If not signed, macOS will force users to open the "Security" tab from "System Settings" to click "Open X app anyway".
On the other hand, this step might be not as trivial since they already bought the app from the website and are interested in opening it anyway. Once a certain sale level is reached, I can purchase a license and sign it.
What's your opinion on this? Is it best to sign apps from the beginning? or it's fine to sell without code-signing?
Upd: solved, see the comment below.
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I think I'll just pay for Apple Developer Membership, as there is practically no way around it and the user's trust is important 👍
$99 / 12 months = $8.25 a month = Netflix cost. Not too bad.
Also, it would be even better to sell from the App Store. The commission is only 15% and makes the app even more trustworthy imo.
I think for 15% you might need to apply for the small business program (and be <$1 million revenue): developer.apple.com/app-store…
Otherwise it is 30% commission ☠️ AFAIK
One other perk of the developer membership that is less know / useful – code level support via DTS (developer technical support) team
wow, thanks for sharing!
No worries!
On the notarised stuff, I think its worth it even if installed outside of the store because it ends up looking way more professional and removes friction for the security conscious :)
If you sell open source, developer focused software with an explanation, you probably could get away with it. But customer focused, who already goes out of their way to download it (if we assume App Store is more convenient..) should have as little friction as possible IMO. That, and the increased trust.
I also sell, and I do notarize it. Cost is covered by sales, and with a release pipeline the steps are automated, so it's not like it's annoying or anything either.
I've got a few macOS apps and all are signed and notarised. The cost isn't that bad, and depending on your target audience, it'll help prevent a lot of confusion. If you're looking at the App Store, it is mandatory. There's also [company managed] Macs where the end user isn't even allowed to click "Open X anyway"
Get the membership and integrate the signing & notarization process into your pipelines. 😊
I do sign Ubidrop (Ubidrop.com). I distribute it on my own as I havent uploaded it to the App Store. I can't remember whether the first versions were signed or not. People were excited to use it as is.
I think that as long as you point point to the right direction (say the website) and tell them never to download the app from any other sites, you should be okay. Maybe add a tutorial on how to install the app, because it is a significant friction and measure app first runs vs downloads.
Thanks! I think for simplicity I'll try to get it published to the app store, and use a special link that opens the app store from the website when they click download/purchase.
I'll also try to apply for that 15% discount from Apple.