How to build and distribute for Apple Silicone

Question

Created Jun ’20

Replies 3

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Participants 4

Will we need an Apple Silicone device (like the DTK) to submit Universal apps to the App Store? Or can that be done from any Intel-based Mac running Big Sur?

I'm debating whether to order the DTK or not. I already have an app in the Mac App Store (built with AppKit), and am wondering how much I really need the DTK. My app doesn't use any API that would matter for Apple vs Intel, so testing isn't a big concern. The only thing I need to do is to build with some new versions of my dependancies (I just have a couple), and then distribute the "universal" binary to the App Store. I'm guessing this is all possible from the Intel Mac as well. Worst case, the app can continue running in Rosetta-mode.

Let me know if I'm missing something.

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Answer 1

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Jun ’20

I subscribe to the test what you ship philosophy. I would never submit something to the store that I hadn’t tested.

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1

Answer 2

nvflash OP

Jun ’20

Better to get in line now for your DTK, limited supply.

Sadly I don't qualify, I suppose that only tens of millions of copies of my software distributed world wide of the last 20 years isn't enough. I suppose I'll have to pay for a developer account and start shipping via the App Store.

Tho, thankfully I can side load my apps onto my XR and get some testing done.

0

Answer 3

Developer Tools Engineer OP

Apple

Jun ’20

Hello! Your summary is correct, and since Intel-based Macs will still be supported for some years to come you will not be blocked on submitting your app from them. As long as you re-build and submit your app using Xcode 12 once it releases (cannot be done from a Beta), you will be able to distribute your app as Universal.

The only downside, as you said, is with your testing of it on Apple Silicon beforehand.

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