Transfer app failed because sharing a group container.

markyin OP

Created Mar ’23

Replies 18

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Screenshot 2023-03-22 at 17.00.25.png

I have a very embarrassing problem. that I can't transfer my macOS app to another account. and above is wrong picture.

I already tried to delete the apps group. but it doesn't work.

this transfer is very important for our team. if anyone can tell me how to do, I will be very grateful.

Answered by DTS Engineer in 824464022

I recently dug into this as part of a DTS case. The language in App Store Connect Help is not sufficiently clear here, and I filed a bug to improve that (r. 141353156). Specifically, App Store Connect Help > Transfer an app > App transfer criteria says:

Mac apps that have used the sandbox environment and share the Application Group Container Directory with other Mac apps can't be transferred.

It should say something like:

Mac apps that share or have ever shared an Application Group Container Directory with other Mac apps can't be transferred.

So, once your Mac app has shipped with the app group entitlement, you can’t transfer the app, even if you’ve removed the entitlement in your latest build.

I don't really understand why the check must be so strict

I’m not willing to explain all the gory details here, but I want to stress that app groups on macOS are very different from app groups on iOS. See App Groups: macOS vs iOS: Fight! for way more than you ever wanted to know about that topic.

We’re halfway through the process of fully supported iOS-style app groups on macOS. The main missing piece right now is for the Developer website to be able to create Mac provisioning profiles that include iOS-style app groups in their allowlist. Until that happens, I don’t see any wiggle room on this policy.

Share and Enjoy
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Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

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kavvver OP

Apr ’25

@DTS Engineer It's great to read that the process is "halfway through". We've been following the topic since the beginning, as it would be really important for us to be able to transfer some of our apps (they used to share the Application Group Container, but not anymore). Do you see any chance that the changes will go live in the near future? Thanks a lot in advance for updating us about the current progress!

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Apr ’25

@devmaz wrote:

I've been reviewing a few of these posts in relation to iOS specifically.

This thread is about the macOS behaviour with app transfers. I suggest you start a new thread for your question. Put it in ~~Accessibility & Inclusion > General~~ App & System Services > Core OS topic area and tag it with Foundation and Files & Storage. That way I’ll be sure to see it go by.

ps It’s better to reply as a reply, rather than in the comments; see Quinn’s Top Ten DevForums Tips for this and other titbits.

kavvver wrote:

It's great to read that the process is "halfway through".

Actually, as of Feb 2025 it’s pretty much finished. I just updated App Groups: macOS vs iOS: Working Towards Harmony with a new title (-:

We've been following the topic since the beginning, as it would be really important for us to be able to transfer some of our apps (they used to share the Application Group Container, but not anymore). Do you see any chance that the changes will go live in the near future?

I can’t predict the future, alas. As always, if you want to see something change, I encourage you to file an enhancement request describing your requirements. Please post your bug number, just for the record.

However, there is a subtlety here. If you app has only ever used iOS-style app groups then I think you could reasonably argue that the app group criteria shouldn’t apply to your transfer [1]. OTOH, if your app has previously used macOS-style app groups then I think you’re on shakier ground.

But really that’s just my opinion, and the best way to register you feedback about this limitation is by filing an ER.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

[1] I’m not actually sure that this argument will work, because I’m not 100% why the app group prohibition applies in the first place, but it’s a reasonable argument to make.

kavvver OP

Apr ’25

@DTS Engineer thanks a lot for writing back! I've filed an enhancement request with Feedback ID: FB17264508 Fingers crossed for really seeing enhancements in the near future. In case if you have any updates on the issue, please post it here, we are checking back quite often.