I am pretty new to macOS development with background in iOS development. I am trying to create a Network Extension based VPN in macOS. When I try to add new target, I see Network Extension as part of App Extensions as well as System Extensions. When I add the Network Extension target from different categories, I see different build settings for both of them. This confuses me specially because in iOS, there is only App Extensions. So, what's the difference between the two Network Extension options in macOS? How do they differ in functionality?
Some factoids:
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"
NE system extensions require 10.15 or later. NE app extensions work back to 10.11.
NE system extensions support Developer ID and Mac App Store distribution. NE app extensions are only supported on the Mac App Store.
NE system extensions work system wide. NE app extensions require a user context.
Some NE provider types, ones that only make sense system wide, are only supported in a system extension. However, the VPN providers (packet tunnel and app proxy) are supported in both.
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"