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Apple’s New Notarization Requirements

Apple’s notarization service, introduced in 2018 to guard against malicious code, has recently been updated to enforce stricter signing and sandboxing rules. The latest developer announcement requires all macOS binaries to be signed with a valid Developer ID certificate and to pass a full notarization scan before they can be distributed via the Mac App Store or direct download. Failure to meet these criteria now triggers a hard refusal, preventing the app from launching on the target machine.

“The notarization process is now a mandatory gatekeeper for any macOS binary that contains executable code,” said a senior Apple engineer in a developer forum post. “We’re tightening the security perimeter to protect users from malicious payloads.”

Why It Matters

  • Zero‑Trust Distribution – By mandating notarization, Apple eliminates a key attack vector where unsigned or tampered binaries could bypass Gatekeeper.
  • Developer Overhead – Teams must integrate notarization into CI pipelines, adding a new step that can fail if the signing certificate expires or the build contains disallowed frameworks.
  • Compliance Signal – The stricter rules echo broader industry trends toward secure supply chains, nudging developers to adopt best‑practice signing and code‑review workflows.

Paddle: Apple’s New Payment Partner

In a surprising move, Apple has announced a partnership with Paddle, a global payment platform known for its developer‑centric tooling. Paddle will handle in‑app purchases and subscription management for a subset of third‑party apps, replacing Apple’s own In‑App Purchase (IAP) system for those developers who opt in.

What Paddle Brings

  • Transparent Fees – Paddle’s fee structure is publicly disclosed, offering developers clearer cost projections compared to Apple’s opaque commission model.
  • Global Reach – Paddle supports 200+ payment methods and currencies, easing the burden of international compliance.
  • Developer Control – Paddle provides a dashboard that lets developers manage pricing, taxes, and refunds directly, reducing reliance on Apple’s app‑store infrastructure.

“We’re excited to give developers more agency over their revenue streams,” said a Paddle spokesperson. “This partnership empowers creators while still maintaining the security and quality standards Apple is known for.”

Implications for the Ecosystem

  • Revenue Model Shifts – Developers may now choose between Apple’s 15/30% cut or Paddle’s tiered fees, potentially reshaping pricing strategies.
  • Compliance Complexity – Apps using Paddle must still comply with Apple’s notarization and sandboxing rules, creating a hybrid compliance environment.
  • Market Differentiation – By offering an alternative to IAP, Apple could attract developers who prioritize pricing transparency and global expansion.

More on the Horizon

Apple’s developer portal also highlighted updates to the App Store Connect API, new beta testing tools, and enhanced analytics dashboards. These additions aim to streamline the app lifecycle from build to deployment, complementing the notarization and payment changes.

Closing Thoughts

Apple’s tightening of notarization underscores a broader industry push for secure, auditable code distribution. Coupled with the Paddle partnership, the company is redefining how developers monetize and protect their macOS offerings. For engineers and product leaders, the key takeaway is clear: integrate notarization early, evaluate payment models, and stay agile as Apple’s ecosystem evolves.