Explore MacOS Bundle Distribution #108

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opened 2026-02-05 19:41:29 -08:00 by hikari · 0 comments
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Description

We need to investigate and implement the ability to publish hikari-desktop as a MacOS bundle (.app), making it easily installable for MacOS users.

Goals

  • Create a proper MacOS application bundle
  • Ensure the app works natively on MacOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon)
  • Provide a smooth installation experience for MacOS users

Research Areas

  • Tauri MacOS bundling - How does Tauri handle MacOS app bundles?
  • Code signing - Apple Developer certificates and notarisation requirements
  • Universal binaries - Supporting both x86_64 and aarch64 (Apple Silicon)
  • DMG creation - Distributing via disk image for easy drag-and-drop installation
  • App Store - Is Mac App Store distribution worth pursuing?

Technical Considerations

  • MacOS Gatekeeper requirements
  • Notarisation process with Apple
  • Testing on actual MacOS hardware
  • CI/CD pipeline updates for MacOS builds
  • Handling MacOS-specific permissions (accessibility, etc.)

Questions to Answer

  • Do we need an Apple Developer account? (£79/year)
  • Can we distribute outside the App Store with notarisation?
  • What's the best approach for users without developer certificates during development?

This issue was created with help from Hikari~ 🌸

## Description We need to investigate and implement the ability to publish hikari-desktop as a MacOS bundle (.app), making it easily installable for MacOS users. ## Goals - Create a proper MacOS application bundle - Ensure the app works natively on MacOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon) - Provide a smooth installation experience for MacOS users ## Research Areas - **Tauri MacOS bundling** - How does Tauri handle MacOS app bundles? - **Code signing** - Apple Developer certificates and notarisation requirements - **Universal binaries** - Supporting both x86_64 and aarch64 (Apple Silicon) - **DMG creation** - Distributing via disk image for easy drag-and-drop installation - **App Store** - Is Mac App Store distribution worth pursuing? ## Technical Considerations - MacOS Gatekeeper requirements - Notarisation process with Apple - Testing on actual MacOS hardware - CI/CD pipeline updates for MacOS builds - Handling MacOS-specific permissions (accessibility, etc.) ## Questions to Answer - Do we need an Apple Developer account? (£79/year) - Can we distribute outside the App Store with notarisation? - What's the best approach for users without developer certificates during development? ✨ This issue was created with help from Hikari~ 🌸
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Reference: nhcarrigan/hikari-desktop#108