macOS app does not run at retina resolution

I built a mac app, using old fashioned frameworks, cocoa.

I'm running Xcode Version 11.2.1 (11B500), on macOS Mojave 10.14.6 (18G1012).

My app runs in what appears to be non retina-resolution (labels, textfields, mapkit) when I launch the app from the /Applications folder.


The build is obtained by choosing 'Archive', then 'Distribute App' and then 'Copy App'. The exported folder contains the app-bundle. When I launch this bundle from that folder, stored on ~/Desktop, it runs in seemingly retina resolution, but when I run it from /Applications, it runs in what appears non-retina resolution.


The app has all Icons set, for all resolutions. What couls be causing this behaviour?