Developers are notified of the upcoming Apple Intermediate Certificate updates starting January 2022. The new changes will impact some apps push notifications and developer IDs depending on their Xcode version.
Earlier this month, two new App Store product page features for developers were introduced so they can present their apps to users in the most effective manner on the App Store.
Apple to change intermediate certificate for push notifications and developer IDs running on older versions of Xcode
Effective January 27, 2022, new certificates will be available, the “Developer Relations Intermediate Certificate (G4)” will allow developers to send push notifications for their apps, complications, website on Safari and Apple Wallet passes and the “Developer ID Intermediate Certificate (G2)” will make Developer ID certificates valid till 2031.
Developers are told that their existing certificates will be functioning until they reach their expiration or revocation dates. The announcement reads:
Apple Worldwide Developer Relations Intermediate Certificate (G4)
APNs SSL certificates will be issued from a new intermediate certificate (Worldwide Developer Relations G4 sub CA) exclusively focused on APNs. Once the new certificate is active and available for download, you’ll be able to use it to send push notifications to apps (including VoIP), complications, websites on Safari, and Apple Wallet passes.
Apple Developer ID Intermediate Certificate (G2)
The digital certificates you use to sign your software and installer packages on macOS will be issued from a new Developer ID Intermediate Certificate that expires on September 16, 2031. Newly issued Developer ID certificates associated with the new intermediate certificate can be used to sign software on Xcode 11.4.1 and later. If you’re running Xcode 13.2 or later, the updated certificate will download automatically when you sign software after January 28, 2022. If you’re using an earlier version of Xcode, you can download the certificate manually or create certificates compatible with previous versions of Xcode.
The company explains that to protect customers and developers by making all third-party apps, Apple Wallet passes, Safari Extensions, Safari Push Notifications, and App Store purchase receipts to be signed by a trusted certificate authority. And the aforementioned certificates confirm that the apps are delivered to users as intended without any modifications.
