# Yeah, It's That Time Again...

- Site: Analog Industries
- Author: Chris Randall
- Date: 2012-05-11
- URL: https://analogindustries.com/2012/05/yeah-its-that-time-again/

If you point your browser at [this little gem](http://prod.lists.apple.com/archives/coreaudio-api/2012/May/msg00029.html), you'll be rewarded with an interesting insight in to Apple's continual process of legacy software pruning. They learned long ago (c. OS 9) that it is far easier to just not support older software rather than try to work it in to whatever current version of their OS they're building.

To be fair, this is a continual source of headaches for Redmond, and a big reason that Windows is so full of security holes. Apple has different problems, of course, but life as a developer for OS X is basically a long string of beatings. We all have Stockholm Syndrome at this point, and anything like this is met with resignation, and a muttered "thank you sir, may I have another?"

For those that don't see what I'm talking about, Gatekeeper is a new whiz-bang feature in OS X 10.8 that essentially won't let the user install any software that isn't digitally signed. The user can turn this feature off, theoretically, but it is on by default. If you use a piece of software that is not currently supported by whomever made it, you can pretty much write that software off with respect to 10.8.

For plug-in companies that have a large product line (like, oh, I don't know, Audio Damage?) this means a rebuild of everything, yet again, plus we have to buy the ridiculous Mac Developer License at $99 a seat to get the signature in the first place. The only other option is to continue to sell our products unsigned, and hope that our customers decide to run Mountain Lion with Gatekeeper disabled.

Adam and I haven't discussed this issue at any length yet, but I imagine we'll go ahead and get the signatures and such-like, because that's the pro thing to do. But expect us to complain about it at length. (A question: if the host is signed, why does the plug-in need to be signed?) Also note that, in the event we do this, we will **NOT** be rebuilding and signing our own legacy products. This means that if you want to continue using, say, Discord2 or the original Kombinat, you need to stay at 10.7 or earlier.

Gatekeeper? Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!

## Comments (22)

**disconnector** (2012-05-11):

At first I thought "big deal - there's going to be lots of unsigned software, and people will probably be rushing to turn it off". BUT, then I checked to see what the language would be like if Gatekeeper was on, and you tried to install something:

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/02/16/gatekeeper-already-present-in-os-x-10-7-3-available-for-developer-testing/

Sweet. Way more harsh than Win 7. Apparently Control+Click with Gatekeeper on will still allow an unsigned app launch, but hell, it's a customer service nightmare waiting to happen. Plus, it makes the developer look like the asshole.

Also, what's interesting about that message to devs: "If you are distributing Mac software or audio plug-ins outside of the Mac App Store" - can you even sell an audio plug-in in the Mac App Store?

**joshua-s** (2012-05-11):

At first I thought "big deal - there's going to be lots of unsigned software, and people will probably be rushing to turn it off". BUT, then I checked to see what the language would be like if Gatekeeper was on, and you tried to install something:

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/02/16/gatekeeper-already-present-in-os-x-10-7-3-available-for-developer-testing/

Sweet. Way more harsh than Win 7. Apparently Control+Click with Gatekeeper on will still allow an unsigned app launch, but hell, it's a customer service nightmare waiting to happen. Plus, it makes the developer look like the asshole.

Also, what's interesting about that message to devs: "If you are distributing Mac software or audio plug-ins outside of the Mac App Store" - can you even sell an audio plug-in in the Mac App Store?

**Chris Randall** (2012-05-11):

And there's the onion. You can't sell a plug-in in the app store at all. Not that we'd particularly want to. Since we already spend thousands of dollars a year on Apple hardware and software, I don't really see any particular need to fuel their hubris by giving them 30% of our gross income as well.

-CR

**darklordjames** (2012-05-11):

The likely 10.9 grade to this will of course be that the user will only be able to install software from the App Store, as is the case with iOS. I'd guess that in two years the choice will be: give Apple 30% of your gross, or drop the platform.

**mad ep** (2012-05-11):

This all just reaffirms why I am comfortable staying with 10.5.8

**TZ** (2012-05-11):

The apple environment will be save... no piracy, no virus, everything controlled from 1 center... all those sci-fi B movies will be such a truth + apple's stock will climb even more.

**Chad** (2012-05-11):

I'm with darklordjames. Logged in to mention the same exact thing... =

**noisetheorem** (2012-05-11):

The implications for open source software are dreadful, though I guess that probably isn't an issue with Mac as much it is with windows.

Microsoft, if I remember, proposed this at one point but backed down on it because it would have been a total cluster fuck for legacy apps in the corporate space (though I believe server drivers must be signed to be installed on 64 bit platforms or something like that). Apple has no such consideration to deal with. They can fuck with their users and developers as they please.

**DGillespie** (2012-05-11):

My fear is that darklordjames has hit it on the nose. They certainly seem to be leaning that way.

**Chris Randall** (2012-05-11):

Yeah, I personally can smell a convergence of OS X and iOS on the horizon. The iOS model obviously works much better for them than the OS X model; from a commercial standpoint, there's no reason not to pursue that. Pro media isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the overall iOS market.

Or to put it another way, we're basically a charity case at this point. First are iPod, iPad, and iPhone users. Then people who use a MacBook to look at Facebook and use Pages and Numbers. Then people that play games. Then people that edit home movies and put them on YouTube. Then people that write tech blogs. Then us.

It's ugly.

-CR

**Funkybot** (2012-05-11):

I agree that's where things are heading, but where does the "pro" OSX market go though if that convergence were to happen? I can't see developers either big or small handing over 30% of their profit margins to Apple.

Does that mean that 5 years from now, Windows will be the only viable platform for creative professionals? That would basically be a polar shift from where things were just a few years ago.

And that's assuming MS doesn't go down the same route themselves. Windows RT apps will only be available via the Windows app store or Windows Update...God forbid they try and apply that same mindset to the x86 Windows.

**Chris Randall** (2012-05-11):

If someone could come up with a Linux distro that wasn't fucking retarded, they'd actually have a hope in 2 years.

Oh, BeOS, we hardly knew ye.

-CR

**seancostello** (2012-05-11):

It is worth noting that there has been quite a bit of advance notice about this move:

"And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

- Revelation 13:17

**synthetic** (2012-05-11):

"Then people who use a MacBook to look at Facebook and use Pages and Numbers."

There's only a dozen of you using Pages and Numbers.

I can't wait to hear the sound of 100,000 people launching their old version of Microsoft Office or Photoshop and being instructed to throw it in the trash.

**shamann** (2012-05-11):

"...but where does the "pro" OSX market go though if that convergence were to happen?"

If there are any trends to be gleaned from the past 20 years, I'd guess that the pro OSX market will stick with Apple no matter how shitbag they get treated.

**Funkybot** (2012-05-11):

@shamann, even if the developers can't afford to code for the platform? Or will developers be forced to raise prices to make up for the Apple tax while remaining on the platform?

**wgparham** (2012-05-11):

I still say that there will be an additional package that you will be able to download (read: purchase) that will allow OS X to work somewhat like it does now. There has to be a way at least for developers to use the system to make software to sell on the app store. The consumer end is definitely heading towards convergence, but for high end users and developers (which Apple seems to think are the same people) that system won't allow thing to get done. Basically by the end of it, consumers get iPads (or iPad MacBook Editions) and we have to purchase "Apple Server" and "Apple Not Stupid Filesystem (Plus Enhancements)" as well as pay the $100 "Developer License". It's basically going to equal a fan tax on the creatives.

Or, we could always do a Kickstarter to revive BeOS development!

-William

**shamann** (2012-05-11):

@Funky: I think developers will figure out a way to make it work. It's what they generally always have to do. Consider pre-App Store life, there were similar reservations expressed about giving over gross and developers getting the shiv, and yet they persist with the platform, because there's still money to be made there.

@william g: I'd be surprised if Apple continues to have two distinct operating systems at the point OSX goes to 11. There will have to be some kind of consumer/pro separation, but I'd guess it'll all be one name/concept by then (which would presumably be announced within 2 years, after the last yet-to-be-named cat).

**VSTJuNkiE** (2012-05-11):

"Gatekeeper? Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!"

Nice... *thumbs up*

**chaircrusher** (2012-05-11):

I'm still pissed that I can't build a current version of gdb and use it without going through an insane doe si doe with 'code signing.' And even if you use the gdb that comes with XCode the fucker wants you to enter an admin password sometimes just to run the debugger.

And I'm with you on Linux distros. Every so often I load up Linux on an old box and give up screaming because I can't stand the idea of spending 2 hours googling how to get the motherfucker to get sound from a program to the audio output.

**bongo_x** (2012-05-11):

This has been really bothering me lately. I am dedicated Mac user, not an Apple fanatic. At the point of an IOS merger it will no longer be a Mac.

I was going to say the same thing Mr. Randall did about Linux but expected to be mocked. I think it is the rational move though. The Pro market for most things, not just music, is really too small for MS and Apple to worry about, and honestly, it doesn't make sense anymore for them to to cater to us. Years ago we may have been the market, but now everyone uses computers, why keep building around a paradigm aimed at us? It's like basing all new car designs around what racers want. When the IOS came out I said "finally!" Someone made the kind of thing my wife needs.

We really need a version of Linux that Just Works. I play around with some distros sometimes, and while some of them are OK, it's mostly like using Logic, lots of WTF?. The big audio companies need to figure that out and get on it. I keep hoping that Apple will split the Mac OS off for pro use, but then again part of me is waiting for the BeOS comeback. I have my copy of BeProductive sitting on the shelf waiting.

I'm using 10.6.8 and wonder if it will be my last version.

bb

**analogcre8or** (2012-05-31):

Well, this might be an interesting tidbit of information in relation to Apple and Logic. Apple seemingly just bought Redmatica... Now, why would they do that if all things Pro is just about to go the way of the Sony Elcaset? To bolster the sample editing, mapping, etc. features in Garage Band Pro. Perhaps not.

http://tinyurl.com/7t6egnn