diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..75aef5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+name: macOS release
+
+on:
+  push:
+    tags:
+      - "v*"
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+jobs:
+  apple-silicon-dmg:
+    runs-on: macos-latest
+    timeout-minutes: 35
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v7
+
+      - uses: actions/setup-node@v6
+        with:
+          node-version: 22
+          cache: npm
+
+      - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
+        with:
+          targets: aarch64-apple-darwin
+
+      - run: npm ci
+
+      - name: Build and publish DMG
+        uses: tauri-apps/tauri-action@v1
+        env:
+          GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        with:
+          tagName: ${{ github.ref_name }}
+          releaseName: Touch Manager ${{ github.ref_name }}
+          releaseBody: |
+            Apple Silicon development preview.
+
+            This build is not Apple-notarized. On first launch, Control-click Touch Manager and choose Open. Install dfu-util separately with Homebrew before flashing hardware.
+          prerelease: true
+          args: --target aarch64-apple-darwin --bundles dmg
+          releaseAssetNamePattern: Touch-Manager_[version]_[arch].[ext]
+          uploadUpdaterSignatures: false
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 643ad4e..3a2b6f5 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -28,6 +28,20 @@ BOOT/RESET recovery path.
 The full architecture, threat model, target profiles, TouchLink proposal, and phased
 roadmap are in [BUILD_PLAN.md](BUILD_PLAN.md).
 
+## Download
+
+Download the latest macOS installer from
+[GitHub Releases](https://github.com/alibros/touch-manager/releases).
+
+The current preview is built for Apple Silicon Macs. It is ad-hoc signed rather than
+Apple-notarized, so first launch may require Control-clicking the app, choosing **Open**,
+or approving it in **System Settings → Privacy & Security**. Install `dfu-util` with
+`brew install dfu-util` before writing firmware.
+
+Release builds contain the firmware catalog but do not redistribute upstream firmware
+binaries. Users can import a `.bin` directly or provide the Synthux firmware workspace
+described below.
+
 ## Safety model
 
 The frontend cannot supply a shell command, arbitrary address, or DFU alternate setting.
@@ -71,9 +85,9 @@ Resolution order:
 
 1. `SYNTHUX_WORKSPACE`
 2. An ancestor of the current working directory
-3. `~/dev/synthux` for Finder-launched local macOS builds
 
-For a custom checkout location:
+For a custom checkout location, set the workspace explicitly when starting the development
+build:
 
 ```sh
 export SYNTHUX_WORKSPACE=/absolute/path/to/synthux
@@ -101,9 +115,10 @@ without requiring or redistributing those binaries.
 npm run tauri -- build
 ```
 
-Local macOS bundles are development artifacts. Public downloads must be signed with an
-Apple Developer ID and notarized. Windows releases need explicit WinUSB guidance, and
-Linux releases need narrow udev rules; those distribution tasks remain on the roadmap.
+Current macOS downloads are clearly labelled development previews. A polished stable
+release still requires Apple Developer ID signing and notarization. Windows releases need
+explicit WinUSB guidance, and Linux releases need narrow udev rules; those distribution
+tasks remain on the roadmap.
 
 ## Buttonless updates
 
diff --git a/src-tauri/src/catalog.rs b/src-tauri/src/catalog.rs
index 86eff57..574ec15 100644
--- a/src-tauri/src/catalog.rs
+++ b/src-tauri/src/catalog.rs
@@ -91,21 +91,11 @@ fn discover_workspace_root() -> Option<PathBuf> {
         }
     }
 
-    let from_current_directory = env::current_dir().ok().and_then(|cwd| {
+    env::current_dir().ok().and_then(|cwd| {
         cwd.ancestors()
             .find(|candidate| candidate.join("Firmware/SHA256SUMS.txt").is_file())
             .map(PathBuf::from)
-    });
-    if from_current_directory.is_some() {
-        return from_current_directory;
-    }
-
-    // Finder-launched macOS applications do not inherit the terminal's working
-    // directory. Keep the source workspace discoverable for local installations.
-    env::var_os("HOME")
-        .map(PathBuf::from)
-        .map(|home| home.join("dev/synthux"))
-        .filter(|candidate| candidate.join("Firmware/SHA256SUMS.txt").is_file())
+    })
 }
 
 #[allow(dead_code)]