The Problem
Developers distributing Mac apps outside the Mac App Store (MAS) face significant challenges:
- Licensing System: Serial key generation, validation, activation limits
- Auto Updates: Sparkle framework setup and update server management
- Payment Integration: Stripe, Paddle, or other gateway connections
- Code Signing & Notarization: Apple Notarization workflow automation
Building all this from scratch takes 4-8 weeks of development time, plus ongoing maintenance burden.
Market Analysis
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Market | Global macOS indie developers |
| TAM | macOS developer tools market $2B+ |
| Competition Status | EMG (Emerging) |
Competitive Landscape
| Competitor | Pricing | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle | 5%+$0.50 fee | Generic payment platform, lacks Mac-specific features |
| FastSpring | 5.9%+ fee | Complex setup, not developer-friendly |
| DevMate | Discontinued | Service shutdown |
| Gumroad | 10% fee | No licensing/update features |
Differentiation Opportunity: An all-in-one SDK specialized for Mac apps—integrate licensing, updates, and payments with just a few lines of code.
Solution
Core Features
Swift Package SDK
import MacShip MacShip.configure(appId: "your-app-id") MacShip.validateLicense { result in // License validated }Dashboard
- License issuance/management
- Revenue analytics
- Customer support tickets
Auto Updates
- Sparkle integration
- Delta update support
- Release channels (stable/beta)
MVP Development
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Timeline | 6 weeks |
| Complexity | Medium |
| Tech Stack | Swift, Node.js, PostgreSQL |
MVP Scope
- Basic license validation
- Stripe payment integration
- Web dashboard
Revenue Model
| Tier | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $29/mo | 100 licenses/month |
| Pro | $99/mo | 1,000 licenses + priority support |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited + dedicated infrastructure |
Projected MRR: $5K-20K (after 12 months)
Risks
| Risk | Level | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | M | Use proven tech stack |
| Market | L | Steady demand for non-MAS distribution |
| Execution | M | Validate with quick MVP launch |
Why This Idea
The Mac developer community has been seeking alternatives since DevMate’s shutdown. Paddle and FastSpring are generic platforms lacking Mac-specific features with complex setups. A Swift-native SDK maximizing developer experience can create meaningful differentiation.
Like this idea? Share your thoughts in the comments!