Hi, and apologies for a long post!
We have created an app that enables wireless communication with FIDO2 devices over Bluetooth by creating virtual HID devices and translating the packages.
In order to do this, we use the HIDVirtualDevice class as described here: https://aninterestingwebsite.com/documentation/corehid/creatingvirtualdevices
We learned the hard way that this sample code does not work without the “com.apple.developer.hid.virtual.device“ entitlement, but with it, it behaves as expected.
Now, our application has been rejected during Review, both by the initial App Review and the appeal to the App Review Board. The problem is that I can’t really figure out what the issue is.
The first rejection states the following:
The app requests access to Accessibility features on macOS but does not use these features for accessibility purposes.
Specifically, the app uses Accessibility features for non-accessibility feature. (Please see attached screenshot)
The attached screenshot is of the screen the app shows when requesting permissions, with this code:
else if bluetoothManager.requirePermissions {
GradientTitle(text: "PERMISSIONS \nNEEDED")
Text(
"""
This application requires additional permissions to run.
Open the settings menu to allow access before restarting the application.
"""
)
and a button with this action:
if let url = URL(
string:"x-apple.systempreferences:com.apple.preference.security?Privacy_Accessibility"
) {
NSWorkspace.shared.open(url)
}
The requirePermissions boolean is set from here,
let properties = HIDVirtualDevice.Properties(
descriptor: VirtualDevice.fidoDescriptor,
vendorID: VirtualDevice.vendorId
)
if HIDVirtualDevice(properties: properties) != nil {
await MainActor.run {
self.requirePermissions = false
}
break
} else {
await MainActor.run {
self.requirePermissions = true
}
When
HIDVirtualDevice(properties: properties)
is called, a system pop-up with
App would like to control this computer using accessibility features. Grant access to this application in Security and Privacy preferences located in System Preferences.
shows.
I responded to the rejection by trying to argue that allowing you to use your device wirelessly does increase accessibility, and that this is the only purpose of the app.
Their response was:
Regarding 2.4.5, Accessibility usage.
To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to remove Accessibility usage for non-accessibility purposes.
Should you require more assistance with resolving this issue, Apple Developer Technical Support is available to provide direct one-on-one support for discrete code-level questions. Please be sure to include any crash logs, screenshots or steps to reproduce this issue in your request.
I contacted technical support and tried to explain the issue again, and got the following response:
Guideline 2.4.5 - Performance
The app requests access to Accessibility features on macOS but does not use these features for accessibility purposes.
Specifically, the app uses Accessibility features for non-accessibility feature.
Accessibility features are intended to help users with different capabilities interact with their devices and app. Apps may not use features designed to increase accessibility for other purposes.
We understand that the reason for using Accessibility feature on macOS. However, the usage is not compliant with the provided guideline.
The last sentence is not complete, and it’s hard to understand what the issue is, given that they have not actually responded to my arguments.
My best guess right now is point 2.4.5 (v):
2.4.5 Apps distributed via the Mac App Store have some additional requirements to keep in mind:
(v) They may not request escalation to root privileges or use setuid attributes.
If this is the case, I can understand the rejection, although it’s strange they didn’t just say so then.
If that is correct, given that the system pop-up and accessibility requirement also trigger when running their sample code (which creates a virtual keyboard), does that mean that no one using this class and framework can submit apps to the App Store?
I never intended to use an accessibility framework, and I was quite surprised the first time the pop-up appeared.
RIght now I'm just confused and dissapointed with the level of feedback from Apple, and would appreciate any help, either in providing a solution or just explaining what the specific issue is.