So assume you have a MacOS app that you installed from the web that is notarised, uses hardened runtime, is sandboxed and has an in-app updater. Why should the developer of that app publish it to the App Store and how would that impact users?
I know applications published on the app store are under more scrutiny by Apple but is there anything else?
Does downloading an app from the app store ensure that the app is authentic in ways that notarisation can not?
More scrutiny from Apple, automatic updates, the sandbox is enforced so the dev can’t just turn it off if they want, don’t need your own infrastructure for hosting the app. Just from a business perspective being on the App Store gives your app a bit more legitimacy in the eyes of users and also allows them to sync their purchase across devices. Just a big security and usability improvement all around.
Good point.
But it doesn’t ensure the authenticity of the application any more than notarisation would, right?
Notarized apps have to be signed so I wouldn’t think there’s anything else the App Store does.