How much does it cost to get a code signing certificate from Apple?

Question

Because of the secrets that prevent me from using the certificate issued by thawte from the code signing the DMG file, and the need for some expediency, I'm going to try to convince my boss to get a development license with an apple. If nothing else, is there at least product support ...? Anyway:

I understand that a developer’s license is $ 100 per year. In addition, should they issue a certificate to sign the code?

Answer 1

Your $ 100.00 developer account will allow you to create as many certificates as you need for one or more applications. For iOS, you usually create development licenses for development so that your test users can try your application before Apple approves it. However, this is not necessary on a Mac. You just have to create your application and deploy it as you like if Apple is not involved.

You do not speak in your post, but I assume that you plan to sell the application through the Mac App Store? If you plan to use the App Store or the Mac App Store when you are ready to publish your application, you will create another signature certificate that will only be used when submitted. Keep in mind that Apple certificates typically have short expiration dates, and you may need to re-sign your distribution in a few months.

Hope this was helpful.

Answer 2

It wasn’t easy for me to find something specific on Apple websites, but looking at the sites I found, you probably have to pay Apple to sign your application, even if it doesn’t work in the Mac App Store, I didn’t think what you need to pay for it. This sucks for open source applications.: /

http://www.realsoftwareblog.com/2012/08/code-signing-real-studio-apps-on.html

Unfortunately, to sign your applications, you need an Apple Developer Certificate. And the only way to get a developer certificate is to register for the Mac Developer Program, which costs $ 100 a year. However, the certificate you receive has been good for 5 years, so it looks like you don’t have to pay a fee of $ 100 every year if you also don’t want to distribute applications on the Mac App Store.

http://successfulsoftware.net/2012/08/30/how-to-sign-your-mac-os-x-app-for-gatekeeper/

• Sign up for Apple Developer Connection ($ 99 per year). It doesn’t matter if you have already paid the nose for Windows authentication certificate. The gatekeeper accepts only Apple certificates, so you have no choice. On the plus side, you get other benefits, including downloading OS updates for free.

http://www.cocoabuilder.com/archive/cocoa/315419-how-to-get-mac-codesign-certificate.html

You need to buy it from a certification authority such as Thawte or Verisign (or one of the many resellers), and they will all be happy to sell you for a price that ranges from about $ 80 to $ 500 / year. In addition, you can get a certificate from Apple as part of the OS X developer program, which will cost you an additional $ 100 per year but also includes beta access to OS X system software.

...

Prior to Mountain Lion, the only advantage of buying a certificate from Well-known authority is to prefer the “Automatically allow signed software to accept incoming connections” firewall system (which is really a silly preference, IMO). The disadvantage of such certificates is that they usually expire relatively quickly, in one or two years.

Mountain lion changes the game a little. This eliminates the many advantages of third-party certification authorities, since only an Apple certificate will allow your application to work, so if you are not going to receive an Apple certificate (I don’t think I can discuss the terms here), you could also sign it yourself.

Answer 3

Actually the cheapest in 1 year is $ 200, but it also gets from $ 500 from Symantec :)

https://www.sslshopper.com/apple-code-signing-certificates.html