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how become an identified developer

TOPIC: Unidentified developers


Each company has a download button from their website, but it won't install on my macbook since it is not from the macbook store and not from an identified developer.


The customer service staff at each of these companies insist their products are in the macbook app store, and they also think they are identified developers. They themselves don't use MacBooks so they cannot see that they are not in the macbook app store. Their software won't install on my computer since they are not identified developers.


What should an unidentified developer do to become an identified developer?


Does it matter what country the unidentified developer is from? These developers are from non-English-speaking countries.


Does the unidentified developer have to pay a fee to become an identified developer?


What is needed to get an app inside the macbook app store?

MACBOOK AIR (11-INCH, EARLY 2015), iOS 8.3, refund! I need a refund, quickly!

Posted on Mar 9, 2016 3:11 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 9, 2016 5:55 PM

Short version: they need to join Apple's Developer Program for $99 per year.


Most applications these days are code signed to confirm the author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted. Various security features such as sandboxing also depend on code signing. To sign code, a developer needs a code signing identity, which is a private key plus a digital certificate.


A developer can generate their own signing identity, in which case you are taking their word that they are who they say they are. Because a self-signed certificate has not been signed by a recognized root certificate authority, the user can only verify that versions of an application came from the same source; they cannot verify the true source of the code.


A developer can obtain two types of certificates from Apple using their developer portal: Developer ID certificates (for public distribution) and distribution certificates (for submitting to the Mac App Store). These certificates are what is used by Gatekeeper (depending on its setting) to determine if a particular developer is identified.


All applications submitted to the App Stores are reviewed - see Apple's App Review Guidelines.

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 9, 2016 5:55 PM in response to iphonenotworking

Short version: they need to join Apple's Developer Program for $99 per year.


Most applications these days are code signed to confirm the author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted. Various security features such as sandboxing also depend on code signing. To sign code, a developer needs a code signing identity, which is a private key plus a digital certificate.


A developer can generate their own signing identity, in which case you are taking their word that they are who they say they are. Because a self-signed certificate has not been signed by a recognized root certificate authority, the user can only verify that versions of an application came from the same source; they cannot verify the true source of the code.


A developer can obtain two types of certificates from Apple using their developer portal: Developer ID certificates (for public distribution) and distribution certificates (for submitting to the Mac App Store). These certificates are what is used by Gatekeeper (depending on its setting) to determine if a particular developer is identified.


All applications submitted to the App Stores are reviewed - see Apple's App Review Guidelines.

Mar 9, 2016 4:19 AM in response to Eau Rouge

This is the Apple Support Community, and this is the macbook forum. This is as close as I can get to asking how to become an identified developer and an app inside the mac app store.


I have recently spoken to several mac app developers who think their mac app is suitable to be downloaded and installed. There is a big misunderstanding. I don't want to install their products on my macbook until they are either identified developers or their app is inside the mac app store. I want to find out what is going on.

Mar 9, 2016 4:11 AM in response to iphonenotworking

Yes I know, but your question is really for Apple so you should ask them.


I gave you a way to get apps installed from unidentified developers, by changing your preferences. From your quote below.


"Each company has a download button from their website, but it won't install on my macbook since it is not from the macbook store and not from an identified developer"



Mar 9, 2016 5:10 AM in response to iphonenotworking

What difference does it make if they are in the App Store and whether they are an identified developer or not.

I suppose some developers don't want to put their apps in the App Store because Apple takes a cut.


What are you afraid of. There are plenty of apps out there that you can download and use on your mac without

any problems, just do a bit of research.

There was a time when the App Store didn't exist, and we all got on fine.

Mar 9, 2016 5:42 AM in response to iphonenotworking

don't call me rude,


your post has had 23 views and no other person has answered your question


I don't understand your obsession over whether an app is in the App Store or not.

it makes little or no difference.


Why don't you ask a developer who apps are in the App Store and who are 'identified' developers.


I hope someone else answers to your meaningless meanderings.

Mar 9, 2016 3:55 AM in response to Eau Rouge

You reply does not match my question.


The question is: HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME AN IDENTIFIED DEVELOPER?


What is the process of becoming an identified developer?


What is the process needed to get an app inside the mac app store?


Which comes first, being an identified developer or getting an app listed in the mac app store?


Is there a fee to pay, to become an identified developer?


Is there a fee to pay to have an app inside the mac app store?


What about mac app developers located internationally? Do they have additional fees or hurdles to overcome, to be an identified developer or have their app in the mac app store?


I have recently met many mac app developers who either think their app is currently inside the mac app store, or think they are already an identified developer. But they are not identified developers, and their mac apps are not in the mac app store. I want to know what is going on.

Mar 9, 2016 5:34 AM in response to Eau Rouge

Your response again does not in any way address the question that I have asked.


Why are you responding to my question when you have no answer and no solution?


Your response to my question is rude. I am seeking replies from people who have answers. I am not seeking hecklers.


The question is: HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME AN IDENTIFIED DEVELOPER?


What is the process of becoming an identified developer?


What is the process needed to get an app inside the mac app store?


Which comes first, being an identified developer or getting an app listed in the mac app store?


Is there a fee to pay, to become an identified developer?


Is there a fee to pay to have an app inside the mac app store?


What about mac app developers located internationally? Do they have additional fees or hurdles to overcome, to be an identified developer or have their app in the mac app store?


I have recently spoken to several mac app developers who think their mac app is suitable to be downloaded and installed. There is a big misunderstanding. I don't want to install their products on my macbook until they are either identified developers or their app is inside the mac app store. I want to find out what is going on.

Mar 9, 2016 6:28 AM in response to Eau Rouge

I have posted my question in the hope of getting answers.


I do not want hecklers and rude comments.


My advice to you is to not post an answer to a question that you know nothing about.


You are not helping anyone when you respond to a question that you don't know the answer for. If you cannot add value, then don't post. You are providing misinformation and moving the readers' focus away from my question. The best thing to do is for you to be silent, say nothing, and patiently wait for someone who knows the answer to post to my question.


You mentioned that my question has had 23 views and only you have posted. Well, maybe those 23 people also don't know the answer to my question.


It is usually best to not respond to a question when you don't have an answer or solution.

how become an identified developer

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