Sparkle

Project Overview

Sparkle 2 is a secure and reliable software update framework for macOS, supporting application sandboxing, custom user interfaces, updating external bundles, and a more modern architecture with faster and more reliable installs.

Key Features

• Seamless: Uses your app's icons and name with no branding
• Secure: Updates verified using EdDSA signatures and Apple Code Signing; Sandboxed applications supported in Sparkle 2
• Fast: Supports delta updates that only patch changed files and atomic-safe installs
• Easy to install: No code required, only static files on a web server
• Customizable: Sparkle 2 supports plugging in a custom UI for updates
• Flexible: Supports applications, package installers, preference panes, and other plug-ins; Sparkle 2 supports updating external bundles

Target Audience

• macOS application developers
• Independent developers needing auto-update functionality
• Software teams who want to provide seamless update experiences

Quick Start

• See the Getting Started Guide
• No code necessary, but some configuration is required
• Use the generate_appcast tool to generate appcast files and signatures

Core Advantages

• Secure: EdDSA signatures + Apple Code Signing
• Fast: Delta updates and atomic-safe installs
• Flexible: Supports applications, packages, and plugins
• Highly customizable: Custom UI support

System Requirements

• OS: macOS 12.0 or later (2.x branch)
• Additional Dependencies: HTTPS server for serving updates