Mac Notary Q&A: Expert Answers to Your Questions
- Mac notarization is a security feature introduced by Apple in macOS Catalina (10.15) designed to enhance the security of software distributed outside the Mac App Store.It verifies that...
- Prior to notarization, macOS relied heavily on Gatekeeper, which checked for valid developer signatures.
- Without notarization,users may encounter warnings when attempting to open applications downloaded from the internet,potentially deterring them from using the software.
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Apple’s mac Notarization: A Thorough Guide for Developers
Table of Contents
Published December 17, 2023, 12:48:10 PST. Updated December 17,2023,12:48:10 PST.
What is Mac Notarization?
Mac notarization is a security feature introduced by Apple in macOS Catalina (10.15) designed to enhance the security of software distributed outside the Mac App Store.It verifies that software from identified developers is free from malware and hasn’t been tampered with. Notarization doesn’t guarantee an app is fully safe, but it considerably reduces the risk to users.
Why is Notarization Crucial?
Prior to notarization, macOS relied heavily on Gatekeeper, which checked for valid developer signatures. However, a valid signature didn’t guarantee the software was malware-free. Notarization adds a crucial layer of security by having Apple scan the application for malicious content *after* it’s been signed by the developer. This process helps to identify and block possibly harmful software before it reaches users. starting with macOS Ventura (13), macOS now *requires* notarization for most software to run, increasing its importance.
Without notarization,users may encounter warnings when attempting to open applications downloaded from the internet,potentially deterring them from using the software. Notarization builds trust and improves the user experience.
When Should You Submit Your App for Notarization?
According to Apple’s Mac Notarization team, apps should be “mostly complete” before submission. There’s no benefit to notarizing an app that isn’t functional. Submitting incomplete or frequently changing builds wastes resources for both the developer and Apple.
Crucially, Apple recommends submitting *all* versions you intend to distribute, including beta versions. this allows Apple to build a profile of your software, distinguishing it from other apps and malware. This profile is vital because Apple regularly releases new signatures to block malware; your app’s profile ensures that notarized software remains unaffected by these updates.
What Happens During the notarization Process?
The notarization process involves uploading your signed application to apple’s servers. apple then scans the application for known malware and checks its code signature. If the app passes the scan, Apple issues a ticket that proves the app has been notarized. This ticket is stapled to the application, allowing macOS to verify its authenticity when it’s launched.
Sometimes, uploads require additional evaluation.If this happens, Apple assures developers that the file has been received and will be analyzed, even though the process may take longer than usual. This additional analysis is a standard security measure and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the application.
How to Notarize Your Mac App: A step-by-Step Guide
- Sign Your App: Use a developer ID certificate from Apple to digitally sign your application.
- Package Your App: Create a .pkg or .dmg file containing your application.
- Use the
notarytool: Apple provides a command-line tool callednotarytoolto submit your app for notarization. You’ll need to authenticate with your Apple Developer account. - Submit for Notarization: Run the
notarytool submitcommand,providing the path to your packaged app.