Back in 2020, following the release of macOS Big Sur, Apple faced significant backlash due to server outages that disrupted app launches, including a key flaw in its notarization process. In response, Apple promised users the ability to opt out of online app verification checks—a feature that would ensure uninterrupted app access even during server issues.
Apple did roll out some changes, such as halting the logging of IP addresses and introducing a new encrypted protocol for Developer ID certificate checks. These measures aimed to protect user privacy and enhance security. However, the most anticipated feature—the complete opt-out of online notarization checks—has yet to materialize.
Frustration has grown as Apple quietly removed references to this promised feature from its support documents. This lack of follow-through raises questions about Apple's commitment to user control and transparency. For developers and users alike, the inability to bypass online checks during outages remains a significant concern, as it can lead to delays and interruptions in app functionality.
The absence of this feature is particularly disappointing given the initial concerns that sparked its proposal. Users worried that Apple might use the notarization process to track app usage, and Apple’s promise to introduce an opt-out option was seen as a step toward alleviating those fears. Yet, with no updates or timelines provided, it appears that this promised capability may never come to fruition.
As the tech community continues to advocate for greater control over their devices, Apple's silence on this matter underscores a broader issue of trust and transparency between the company and its users. Whether Apple will eventually deliver on its promise remains to be seen, but for now, the missing opt-out feature stands as an unfulfilled commitment.