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Why does macOS block Biome?

When you attempt to open Biome for the first time, you will likely see a message stating that Apple cannot verify the app is free of malware. This is a standard macOS feature called Gatekeeper.

Apple requires all developers to pay a $99/year subscription fee to the Apple Developer Program to digitally "notarize" their applications. Apps that skip this fee are automatically flagged by macOS with a severe-sounding warning, regardless of the app's actual safety.

Our Stance

Biome is an independent, free, and open-source personal AI project. We believe that developers shouldn't have to pay annual extortion fees just to share free software with the Mac community. Because of this, we have chosen to distribute Biome without the paid Apple Developer enterprise certificate.

How to open Biome safely:

  1. Double-click the downloaded Biome .dmg file to open the installer.
  2. Drag the Biome icon into your Applications folder.
  3. Open your System Settings app on your Mac.
  4. Navigate to the Privacy & Security tab on the left sidebar.
  5. Scroll down until you see a message saying "Biome" was blocked from use...
  6. Click the Open Anyway button next to the message.
  7. Provide your Mac password or TouchID when prompted to authorize the action.

You only need to do this once. After this initial confirmation, Biome will open normally every time without prompting.

For full transparency, the underlying source code that runs Biome's local servers and integrations is completely open. If you have any further security questions, feel free to contact us at openclaw.solutions@gmail.com.