macossafarimac-app-storeosx-extensionssafari-app-extension

Can you distribute a Safari App Extension *outside* the Mac App Store?

The App Extension Programming Guide says this:

To deliver an OS X app extension, it’s recommended that you submit your containing app to the App Store, but it’s not required.

And the Safari App Extension Programming Guide says this:

Safari app extensions are bundled inside an app and distributed through the App Store.

Does anyone know, if it's possible to distribute a Safari App Extension with an app outside the Mac App Store?

Thanks!

Solution

  • Just confirmed on macOS 10.12.4 and Xcode 8.3: you can distribute Safari App Extensions outside the Mac App Store!

    I tested this just now by:

    1. Making a new Mac app in Xcode and adding a Safari Extension to it.
    2. Archiving the app & exporting it with my Developer ID certificate.
    3. Sending the resulting app to a friend, who opened it on their Mac and had the extension correctly show up in Safari.

    Hope this helps! :)