Skip to main content

PSA: Apps using Apple’s Game Center must be updated with new authentication certificate

Apple today told developers they must update their games that feature integration with Game Center, Apple’s gaming platform that lets users add and challenge friends online. The company says that the adoption of a new authentication certificate will become mandatory for these apps.

In a new post on the Apple Developer website, Apple mentioned that the new certificate is used for server-based Game Center verification. As of August 4, 2021, the new certificate will be required for all games available on the App Store that are integrated with Game Center.

If you’re a developer and your game offers Game Center functionalities, make sure it uses the current “publicKeyUrl,” which redirects to the latest certificate available. Otherwise, your app must be updated to maintain Game Center integration after August 4.

Starting August 4, 2021, a new certificate for server-based Game Center verification will be available via the publicKeyUrl. The previous certificate will no longer be available after this date. As a reminder, make sure your app always retrieves and uses the current publicKeyUrl value so it automatically uses the new certificate. If your app caches the certificate or hardcodes the certificate URL, it will require an update.

You can read more information about the new Game Center authentication certificate on the Apple Developer forum.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Filipe Espósito Filipe Espósito

Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications