Submit an macOS app and Xcode version

I have created a small app for macOS. I looked for information about how to submit it to the app store and read: "Build your apps using Xcode 13.1 or later…" https://developer.apple.com/macos/submit/

I have an old iMac Late 2013. Unfortunately, the last version I can install is Catalina 10.15.7, and the last Xcode I can install is version 12.4. Does it mean that I cannot publish my app? Is there any way I can submit it? Is buying a new mac the only solution?

My iMac works well, and it is not easy for me to buy a new one.

I would appreciate any recommendation

Thank you

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narcisfromgirona
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Apple does not tell about MacOS Apps: https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=2t1chhp3&1647378082

But same requirement to use Xcode 13 or newer should apply as well: https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/15/apple-will-soon-require-developers-to-submit-apps-to-the-app-store-using-xcode-13/

.

the last Xcode I can install is version 12.4. Does it mean that I cannot publish my app?

Unfortunately, yes.

You could ask to Support for double check, but that seems really unlikely.

Have you looked for refurbished Mac (take care, not too old to support recent OS) ?

Or search for business that just went bankrupt to find if some Mac are liquidated ?

Posted by
Claude31
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  • Ok, thank you. A MacBook Air M1 refurbished now seems a good value.

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    narcisfromgirona
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Apple does not tell about MacOS Apps: https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=2t1chhp3&1647378082

But same requirement to use Xcode 13 or newer should apply as well: https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/15/apple-will-soon-require-developers-to-submit-apps-to-the-app-store-using-xcode-13/

.

the last Xcode I can install is version 12.4. Does it mean that I cannot publish my app?

Unfortunately, yes.

You could ask to Support for double check, but that seems really unlikely.

Have you looked for refurbished Mac (take care, not too old to support recent OS) ?

Or search for business that just went bankrupt to find if some Mac are liquidated ?

Posted by
Claude31
Up vote reply of Claude31 Down vote reply of Claude31
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  • Ok, thank you. A MacBook Air M1 refurbished now seems a good value.

    —
    narcisfromgirona
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You can publish Mac apps outside the App Store so you wouldn't have to use Xcode 13. If the app is free, you can host the app on your own site and provide a Download button.

A paid app requires more work. You have to find a way to deal with licensing and process payments. Companies like Gumroad, Paddle, and FastSpring will help with this. The following book shows you how to sell software outside the Mac App Store:

https://christiantietze.de/books/make-money-outside-mac-app-store-fastspring/

Posted by
szymczyk
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  • I like what Apple is doing in the App Store and I think it is worth the 30%. In any case, it is good to know other options

    —
    narcisfromgirona
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