Unable to log into App Store from OSX 10.12.6 (Sierra) as of January 27, 2025

In of the past 6-10 hours, affected macOS systems—including Sierra and High Sierra—can sign in to the App Store again, Apple has switched on access again. I’ve personally tested this, and it’s working

Do not consider this permanent though. Use this opportunity to:

• Open and use your legacy apps.
• Export or back up anything critical you deem irreplaceable or cannot afford to lose.

This situation serves as a reminder: There are no guarantees of permanent access to legacy apps. Be proactive in seeking trusted alternatives or backup copies where possible to avoid being locked out in the future.

In of the past 6-10 hours, affected macOS systems—including Sierra and High Sierra—can sign in to the App Store again, Apple has switched on access again. I’ve personally tested this, and it’s working

Do not consider this permanent though. Use this opportunity to:

Open and use your legacy apps.

Export or back up anything critical you deem irreplaceable or cannot afford to lose.

This situation serves as a reminder: There are no guarantees of permanent access to legacy apps. Be proactive in seeking trusted alternatives or backup copies where possible to avoid being locked out in the future.

usbears wrote:

I wanted to see if there are any legacy Mac users out there running OSX 10.12.6 (I'm on a late 2009 29" iMac i7) that might be having the same issue. [...]

Maybe Apple no longer supports accessing the App Store from OSX 10.12.6 but just checking to see if anyone else has this issue.

I can also confirm this problem with a 2012 Mac running both 10.13 High Sierra and 10.14 Mojave.

I have no problem with 10.15 Catalina and newer Macs.

I know I should get a new Mac, but I am using the legacy PhoneValet program and it doesn't run on any OSX later than 10.12.

Yes, you should. That app was d/c'd fourteen (!) years ago and the hardware you are using to run it is long obsolete.

You would be wise to roll up your sleeves, do a little research and find a contemporary replacement. If you're using this for a business, remember that spending money on tech upgrades is a cost of doing business.

This problem that you (we) are having with the App Store might get resolved, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Access, security and compatibility issues like this and others will continue to come up as the rest of the tech world moves forward and we don't.

How much time and energy do you want to spend nursing this old tech?

Move forward and let it go, my friend. 👍🏽

Spoke to Apple Support on this issue and the response is to the effect of 'your system is too old and unsupported anymore'.

A helpful developer has pointed out this - TN3138: Handling App Store receipt signing certificate changes | Apple Developer Documentation

I just tested from macOS 10.14 Mojave and got the same error, but it worked after I logged in and did "Try again."

Same here! I'm on the same OS (10.12.6 Sierra) and one of my apps suddenly required to log in to app store first, and got the exact same error. I'm unable to log in to the app store as well. Have you resolved the issue on your end?

PT247 wrote:

Many users have legacy macs and software. Many of those uses also have the latest hardware and software.

Yes, this is correct. I don't disagree. I keep legacy systems as well, mostly to support others who continue to use theirs. They're hobby machines. I wouldn't run a business with them.

The old MacPro in the office does an important job. We shouldn't have to keep buying the latest, greatest bit of kit. [...]

Not disagreeing with this, either, but at this point the problem isn't the expense of buying Apple's hardware, it's the app and the OS.

If that Mac Pro is the 2013 model, it can run macOS Monterey, which is five generations newer than Sierra and still widely viable even if it won't be receiving regular updates any more. MacOS upgrades are free.

And if I'm not mistaken, PhoneValet hasn't received any real updates in over eighteen (!) years.

Upgrading business hardware and software once every ten to fifteen years doesn't seem unreasonable to me, especially if the job is important.

Good luck, my friend. 🍀

Let's keep 🤞🏽 that a fix for this connectivity issue is forthcoming.

Yes, I can confirm it works again! Last week I was unable to get into Mac App Store with MBP and Mojave 10.14.6.

10 minutes ago I tried again with not much hope, but to my surprised it worked.

I highly recommend to download all OS installers and software packages you might still be needing!

Same issue here - same problem (same recent occurrence).

My apple account is fine on other macs.

This machine (Mid 2010 Mac Pro Sierra 10.12.6) is running important legacy software and it is vital that it is backed up.

The backup software will now not run unless I log into the app store - which I suddenly cannot do!!

Help please!

Many users have legacy macs and software. Many of those uses also have the latest hardware and software. The old MacPro in the office does an important job. We shouldn't have to keep buying the latest, greatest bit of kit. Apple keeps banging on about being green - they are the worst offenders here.