Everything is going wi-fi. So why are we still talking about macOS driver development? When you talk about drivers, it usually is the Windows PCs that come to mind. Mac has not been showing up in the driver conversation as often. That is mainly because macOS does not need drivers for a lot of hardware.
However, this doesn't mean macOS driver development is obsolete. In fact, for enterprise security products, specialized peripherals, and low-level system access, driver development on macOS remains crucial.
The Evolution of macOS Drivers
Apple has been transitioning from Kernel Extensions (KEXTs) to System Extensions. This shift, starting with macOS Catalina, represents a fundamental change in how third-party software interacts with the kernel. System Extensions run in user space, providing better security and stability while still offering the low-level access that enterprise applications need.
When Do You Need macOS Drivers?
- Endpoint Security Products - Security software needs deep system access to monitor file operations, network traffic, and process activity.
- Specialized Hardware - Audio interfaces, industrial equipment, and research devices often require custom drivers.
- Enterprise Management - MDM and enterprise management solutions need system-level access for policy enforcement.
- Virtualization - Hypervisors require kernel-level access for hardware virtualization support.
Challenges in macOS Driver Development
macOS driver development comes with unique challenges:
- Apple's strict security requirements and notarization process
- Limited documentation compared to Windows
- Rapid OS updates requiring constant adaptation
- The ongoing transition from Intel to Apple Silicon
- Complex entitlements and provisioning profiles
The Future of macOS Driver Development
With Apple Silicon and the DriverKit framework, macOS driver development is evolving. DriverKit provides a safer way to develop drivers while maintaining the functionality enterprises need. For security products, the Endpoint Security framework offers APIs for monitoring system events without requiring kernel extensions.
macOS driver development remains highly relevant for organizations building security products, supporting specialized hardware, or requiring deep system integration. The key is working with experts who understand both the technical requirements and Apple's evolving security model.
At Incrux, we have extensive experience in macOS development, including the transition from KEXTs to System Extensions. Contact us to discuss your macOS development needs.