TripMode and Kernel Extension Deprecation
Originally posted on tripmode.ch on 24 MAR 2020
If you’ve reached this page, it is probably because you’ve received an alert on your Mac about a Legacy System Extension signed by “Ludovic LEGER”, TripMode’s lead developer.
What it means
When macOS Catalina was introduced during WWDC in 2019, Apple announced that it would progressively rollout under-the-hood macOS system changes. This is part of their continuous effort to modernise the macOS platform. One of these new architectures is called Network Extensions, which will overtime fully replace the current Kernel-based Network Extension system that TripMode has used to filter traffic so far. Apple already warned developers that this change will happen when the next major version of macOS will be released, around Q4 2020.
TripMode will need to be updated to continue to work seamlessly with macOS 10.16 and beyond. Until then, the current TripMode 2 version will continue to work just fine.
With the release of macOS 10.15.4 on March 24 2020, Apple also decided to warn users with system notifications that apps that use Kernel Extensions will stop working in the future. It comes under the form of a popup warning when TripMode is installed or launched the first time on that new macOS version.
Ignore the warning. You’re safe.
You can safely click OK and dismiss this warning. You shouldn’t get it again, and TripMode will continue to work as expected until the next major macOS version gets released later in 2020.
We have been working closely with Apple to prepare TripMode for this upcoming change. We’ve also extensively, and successfully, tested the current version of TripMode 2.2.1 with Catalina.
To make sure that TripMode continues working optimally, we recommend that you keep automatic updates verification active in the TripMode settings.
Additional info and help
Check out Apple’s developer note on the Kernel Extensions if you’re interested to learn more about the technical changes.
Do you have additional questions or concerns? Have a look at our FAQ, or reach out to our customer service team who will be happy to help you out.
