Apple is set to update its App Store receipt signing intermediate certificate to the SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm, impacting app receipt validation processes.
This change, designed to bolster security and privacy, will take full effect on January 24, 2025.
Overview of the Certificate Update
Transition Timeline
The transition to the SHA-256 certificate is being implemented in phases across different environments.
The sandbox environment adopted the SHA-256 certificate as of June 20, 2023, followed by TestFlight on August 16, 2023.
The App Store will complete this transition on January 24, 2025, when the SHA-1 certificate will expire.
Impact on App Developers
Developers who perform on-device receipt validation must ensure their apps support the SHA-256 algorithm.
Apps failing to update may face receipt validation issues, potentially leading to users losing access to purchased content.
Developers are advised to either update their code to support SHA-256 or use the AppTransaction and Transaction APIs for receipt validation.
Testing and Validation
To prepare for the transition, developers should test their apps in the sandbox environment.
This involves verifying that app receipts are signed with the SHA-256 certificate and ensuring successful on-device receipt validation.
Developers should update cryptography libraries or custom code to accommodate the SHA-256 algorithm.
Instructions for Developers
Updating Apps for SHA-256 Compatibility
1. Verify Certificate Chain: Ensure your app uses the latest certificates from Apple PKI.
2. Cryptography Support: Update code or libraries to support SHA-256.
3. Sandbox Testing: Test app receipt validation in the sandbox environment to confirm compatibility.
Non-Affected Methods
The certificate update does not impact server-to-server receipt verification using the deprecated `verifyReceipt` endpoint. Developers should consider transitioning to on-device receipt validation on their servers.
Editor's Comments
Apple's transition to the SHA-256 algorithm underscores a broader industry trend towards stronger cryptographic standards.
While this update enhances security, it requires proactive adaptation by developers to ensure seamless user experiences.
The phased approach provides ample time for developers to adjust, but timely action is crucial to avoid service disruptions.
As digital security evolves, similar updates can be expected across various platforms, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation in software development.
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