BlueBubbles can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software. This software needs to be updated. Contact the developer for more information

[srishChicago]

Posting this in case others run into the same issue?

Followed the directions from https://bluebubbles.app/install/ to open .dmg from the Downloads folder and moved app to Applications folder over the previous version 1.9.7 and got the error above.
(tried deleting old v1.9.7 and tried installing again, same error)

Found link to workaround from Apple:
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/apple-cant-check-app-for-malicious-software-mchleab3a043/mac

Notice in System Settings: Privacy & Security: Security section
"BlueBubbles was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer."
(I do have Allow applications downloaded from App Store and identified developers selected)

Maybe just add this to the Install or FAQ section of bluebubbles.app webpage?

Specs: MacMini running Ventura 13.7.1 via OpenCore

Thank you devs, for an incredible app!

[jprouty]

I am having the same issue on a M2 w/ release v1.9.8.

Initially I updated with homebrew - figuring it might be an issue with that platform, I followed the normal instructions and downloaded directly from the releases page. Same issue.

[rsaeks]

Right-click on the app and select open.

You can find this in the release notes on Github: https://github.com/BlueBubblesApp/bluebubbles-server/releases/tag/v1.9.8-beta.1

Warning / Note
Apple has flagged my Apple Developer account, which prevents me from signing the BlueBubbles Server with my developer certificate. As a result, you may need to "Allow" the app to run via your System Preference's Security & Privacy page. Alternatively, you can right click the app and select Open to directly open the app.

[jprouty]

@rsaeks Thanks for the quick note! I hope your dev account gets restored - I've had my own share of signing issues with Apple in the past.

However, the right click on the app + open trick did NOT work for me (macOS 15.1.1) - this must be a new change for macOS as I have never had it fail. This time required going to the System Preferences as you described above.

[srishChicago]

Thanks @jprouty and @rsaeks for this. I had the same issue: the rick click app + open trick didn't work for me on OS 13.7.1 either, which is why I reported it as an "issue." Maybe just something to note on the Bluebubbles website for those who are less familiar with the System Preferences workaround