The application can't be opened even if right click to open

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Level 1

9 points

The application can't be opened even if right click to open

I'm on Catalina 10.15.6 and I'm trying to test my own Unity apps. I used to be able to right click and select "open" to bypass the security and launch these apps. But recently, this option has stopped working. I just get this empty dialog that says "The application [application name] can't be opened" with no additional text. And if I click on the question mark for more info, it takes me to an empty help page.

I know there's nothing wrong with the app because if I manually navigate into it through terminal and chmod -x the app, it works. Everything I read from Apple indicates I should be able to right click and bypass security for the app ... any idea why it's not working?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 20, 2020 3:39 PM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

68,354 points

Aug 20, 2020 8:47 PM in response to yang167

Go to the Security System Preferences and click the "Allow" button to approve the app with Gatekeeper. I recently had to do this with one of our newer Macs even after right-clicking (option-clicking) the app to open it. Apple really doesn't want any unsigned apps to be used so Apple is making it harder and more difficult/painful for users.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,354 points

Aug 21, 2020 9:11 AM in response to yang167

Is the Application you are trying to open 64 bit or 32 bit? Catalina no longer supports 32 bit applications and macOS doesn't always provide a clear explanation of the problem with the error messages.

Try rebooting the computer and trying again.

Are you running any anti-virus software or other third party security software or cleaning apps that may be interfering? You can also try booting into Safe Mode to see if you can run the app.

I have encountered a case where I had to re-install macOS because Gatekeeper would not accept the app exception.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

68,354 points

Aug 21, 2020 12:18 PM in response to yang167

Since it is your app, then you should post in the Apple developer forums for assistance and/or contact Unity or post on their support forums. Apple does keep changing the rules on how apps are distributed so perhaps Unity isn't exporting it properly for the latest Catalina patch.

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Answer 4

yang167 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 21, 2020 11:02 AM in response to HWTech

Hello,

The app is 64 bit. The app is created through Unity, which only offers one possible setting for mac. I rebooted the computer and that did not help. I have 2 friends who have confirmed this issue on both Catalina 10.15.6 and Catalina 10.15.4. For one of them, they were not able to open it on 10.15.6 but were able to get the prompt to open it on 10.14.5 Mojave. For the other, they are on 10.15.4 and cannot open the app unless they manually chmod +x the executable (they get the same dialog I do where there is no option to bypass security). I sent them an app I made from 2019, which definitely used to work, and that app does not work anymore either (unless with the manual chmod +x). I am almost certain this problem is on Apple's end at this point. And it is fairly recent -- most likely starting within the past month.

Thanks

-Yang

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Answer 5

yang167 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 21, 2020 7:51 AM in response to HWTech

Hi there,

I don't see an option in the Security System Preferences when I try to launch the app and get the error.

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The application can't be opened even if right click to open

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