Resolve launch issues with Adobe video apps on macOS Sonoma

If you have upgraded to macOS Sonoma (version 14) and your video apps fail to launch, learn how you can fix it.

Issue

Adobe video apps fail to launch on macOS Sonoma (version 14), and the following error message is displayed:

Adobe Premiere Pro 2024 is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

Error showing Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.
Error message received on macOS Sonoma (version 14).

Note:

This issue affects all versions of Adobe apps and isn't related to the new 2024 version update, so downgrading to 2023 versions will not resolve the issue. While Sonoma users are more likely to get this error, it may also show up if you’re using a previous version of macOS.

Cause

The issue occurs due to Apple’s Gatekeeper security technology. Apple requires all apps to be signed by the developer to ensure authenticity. Anything that changes the contents of the application package after the developer has signed it triggers a security warning by Apple. This is a good thing, as it prevents malware from being distributed that hijacks an application for malicious intent. Gatekeeper has been part of macOS for several years, but Apple strengthened the security measures in macOS Sonoma, which is why it’s more likely to get this error on Sonoma. It's still possible to get this error on previous versions of macOS.

Some third-party plugin and extension developers install components like presets and other settings into our application package, triggering Apple’s security mechanism and preventing the app from launching. 

Running the Adobe uninstaller will leave behind a shell of an app with these third-party components on disk because Adobe will only uninstall files that were put there by our original installer. When you try to reinstall again, the offending files remain there, and the problem continues after reinstalling. 

Workaround

install the app without third-party components

  1. Uninstall the app following these instructions.

  2. Ensure there is nothing left behind by deleting the entire application folder and all of its contents like this: /Applications/Adobe Premiere Pro 2024. 

  3. Reinstall the application from the Creative Cloud Desktop app in the usual way. Know how to download Creative Cloud apps here. 

  4. Do not install offending third party software. 

Use the app with third-party components

The inability to use certain third-party tools isn't ideal. It's recommended to contact the third-party developer to ask them to update their installer to not put components into the Application package. We are also working with third-party developers to inform them of this issue.  If you must use third-party tools for your workflow, try the following workaround. 

Alert

If there’s a chance that malware was injected into any Adobe app on your device, you’re permitting it to run by following the instructions listed next. Exercise due diligence and install applications and utilities only from reputable, trusted developers.

  1. Open the app.

  2. When error message stating “Adobe Premiere Pro 2024 is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.” displays, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.

  3. Be sure to check for the alert mentioning the Adobe app in question and select Open Anyway.

Select alert mentioning Open Anyway in Privacy & Security to open damaged file.
Alert in the Privacy & Security section of your macOS device showing that the app was blocked from use.

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