macOS processes › Apple account and messaging
What is commerce on Mac?
commerce is part of the App Store's background system. It handles purchases, in-app purchases, subscriptions and the receipts that show you own an app.
What it does
It comes from Apple's CommerceKit framework and works with the App Store and with apps that sell subscriptions or in-app purchases, checking and refreshing purchase information with Apple.
Why it gets busy
- Buying, restoring or refreshing purchases.
- Apps checking subscription status when they open.
- Signing in to the App Store.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS starts it again for the next purchase or check. A purchase in progress may need to be retried.
How to calm it down
- Let purchases and restores finish.
- If the App Store keeps asking you to sign in, sign out and back in from the Store menu in the App Store.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch explains commerce in plain language, so you can see it's Apple's App Store purchase service.
