Why did Whisper Notes leave the Mac App Store?

Apple began rejecting updates under Guideline 2.4.5, which prohibits using the Accessibility API for non-accessibility purposes. Whisper Notes uses this API for system-wide voice typing — inserting transcribed text at the cursor in any app. There is no alternative API on macOS for this feature.

Does the Mac App Store version of Whisper Notes still work?

Yes, the Mac App Store version still works for basic recording and transcription. However, it will not receive feature updates — including system-wide voice typing, new AI models (Parakeet V3), or performance improvements. All active Mac development goes into the DMG version.

How do I get a free DMG license if I bought Whisper Notes on the App Store?

Visit the migration page at whispernotes.app/migrate to exchange your App Store receipt for a free DMG license. The process takes about a minute. No re-purchase required.

Does the DMG version of Whisper Notes update automatically?

Yes. The DMG version includes auto-update via Sparkle, so it checks for and installs updates automatically — just like an App Store app.

Why Whisper Notes for Mac Left the App Store

Hold Fn on your Mac, say something, and the words appear wherever the cursor is. Any app. Completely offline — your voice never leaves your machine. That's the feature that defines Whisper Notes, and it's the reason Apple won't let us update on the Mac App Store anymore.

Whisper Notes Mac offline voice typing — hold Fn to dictate in any application

Hold Fn to dictate in any application — the feature that defines Whisper Notes on Mac

What Changed

This feature uses macOS Accessibility permission to insert transcribed text into other apps — the same approach used by TextExpander and Rocket Typist. It's the only API macOS provides for this. There is no alternative.

In February 2026, Apple Review started rejecting any app that uses this permission for non-accessibility purposes:

"The app uses Accessibility features to insert transcribed text. 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." — Apple Review, Guideline 2.4.5

What We Tried

Whisper Notes v1.2.8 already shipped with Fn voice typing. In January 2026, we submitted v1.2.9 — a bug-fix update, no new features. That's when the rejections started:

Jan 9 Submitted v1.2.9 — bug-fix only, no new features

Feb 2 Rejected — Guideline 2.4.5: "uses Accessibility features to create a hotkey." In Review for nearly a month.

Feb 19 Developer Support contacted — filed a request with Apple Developer Support to discuss the rejection

Feb 25 Phone call with Apple — confirmed Accessibility permission cannot be used for text insertion, no exceptions

Mar 5 Rejected — resubmitted with Voice Typing framing and permission consent flow. Still Guideline 2.4.5.

The Choice We Made

Strip the feature and stay on the App Store, or keep it and distribute independently. We kept the feature.

Whisper Notes for Mac is now a direct DMG download. No sandbox, no restrictions. TextExpander, Keyboard Maestro, and Alfred all distribute outside the App Store for the same reason — macOS sandbox restrictions block their core features.

What We've Shipped Since

Without App Review, we ship the day code is ready. Six updates since the switch:

Parakeet V3 engine — 10x faster than Whisper Large V3, comparable accuracy, zero hallucinations on silence

Custom global shortcut — use any key to trigger voice typing, not just Fn

External microphone support — any USB or Bluetooth mic, hot-swap while recording

On-device translation — Apple Translation framework, no internet

Auto-update — updates itself, just like an App Store app

Stability — dozens of crash fixes, new recording engine

Full details in the changelog.

Why the App Store Version Is Still Listed

The listing is a Universal App — iOS and Mac in one. We can't remove Mac without taking down iOS.

The App Store version still works for basic transcription, but it's frozen. All new development goes into the DMG.

Free License for App Store Purchasers

If you bought it on the App Store, you get a free DMG license. Takes about a minute via the migration page.

Summary

What happened	Apple rejects Mac App Store updates that use the Accessibility API for text insertion (Guideline 2.4.5)
Why it matters	System-wide Fn voice typing requires this API — there is no alternative on macOS
What we did	Moved Mac to direct DMG distribution
App Store version	Still available for iOS; Mac version frozen
Existing purchasers	Free DMG license via the migration page

Leaving the App Store wasn't the plan. But the DMG version is now better than the App Store version ever was — faster engine, more features, updates the day they're ready.

Questions? support@whispernotes.app.

Download for iOS

Download for macOS