This newly implemented adjustment has been quietly announced on Apple’s developer news page and further tightens the macOS security system, something that may bother some users who prefer more direct access to third-party applications.
Apple makes macOS more secure
This functionality, known as Gatekeeper, is Apple’s security tool that check downloaded appsensuring that they come from trusted sources, such as the Mac App Store or verified developers. This system, along with the Mac App Sandbox, Notarization, and System Integrity protection, form a layer of protection that Apple introduced years ago in its operating system to prevent malware access on the block teams.
Until before Sequoia, it was possible to use Control-click to open unverified applications from developers outside the Mac App Store. Although this trick was only needed on the first launch of the application, many users used it to avoid additional steps in the security system. However, Apple has decided that this “trick” will no longer be available.
Now, to open an application downloaded outside of the Mac App Store, the user will necessarily have to go through the path System Settings > Privacy and Security > Securitywhere you must click on the “Open anyway” button and confirm with your administrator password.
Apple protects Macs against viruses
Apple has strengthened security in macOS Sequoia by removing the “Control-click” option to open applications external to the Mac App Store. This change forces users to completely rely on Gatekeeper, tightening restrictions on opening apps from unverified developers. Although it improves protection, this measure is causing discomfort among Mac users, especially among those who use specialized software or from independent sources. Now, each download requires manual permissions in the security configuration, a process that makes the user experience slower and tedious, but provides greater security.
Additionally, although it is possible to disable this setting through System Integrity Protection (SIP), Apple recommends against this practice due to the associated risks. The new policy has also revealed bugs in Gatekeeper, as in some cases it labels notarized applications as “broken,” limiting their use for no apparent reason.
Additionally, developers should add the com.apple.quarantine attribute to their apps distributed outside of the Mac App Store, allowing macOS to identify the source and apply additional security controls. However, not all developers meet this requirement, which could leave certain programs exposed to security risks. Thus, while Apple prioritizes protection, users must deal with a more restrictive experience.
