Hardware

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Delve into the physical components of Apple devices, including processors, memory, storage, and their interaction with the software.

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Using CBPeripheralManager while using AccessorySetupKit framework
I am working on an app that requires the usage of CoreBluetooth – using both its CBPeripheralManager and CBCentralManager classes. Our app works with other phones and hardware peripherals to exchange data – so we wanted to explore adding AccessorySetupKit to streamline the hardware connection process. AccessorySetupKit has been integrated (while CBPeripheralManager is turned off) and works great, but even with ASK added to our app's plist file and not in use, CBPeripheralManager fails with error: Cannot create a CBPeripheralManager while using AccessorySetupKit framework. Is there any workaround or suggested path forward here? We'd still really like to use ASK while keeping our existing functionality, but are not seeing a clear way to do so.
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204
Aug ’25
Is there a way to disable NFC on iPhones?
I have some logic which requires NFC support on the device. This is what I'm using to make sure that it's available: isNFCMissing = !NFCNDEFReaderSession.readingAvailable && !NFCTagReaderSession.readingAvailable && !NFCVASReaderSession.readingAvailable Is it possible for isNFCMissing to be true even if the device has an NFC chip. The minimum iOS version for the application is 16 which is only supported on devices with an NFC chip to begin with.
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222
Sep ’25
Mac Catalyst: IOHID InputReportCallback not firing, USBInterfaceOpen returns kIOReturnNotPermitted (0xe00002e2) for custom HID device
Hi everyone, I am developing a .NET MAUI Mac Catalyst app (sandboxed) that communicates with a custom vendor-specific HID USB device. Within the Catalyst app, I am using a native iOS library (built with Objective-C and IOKit) and calling into it via P/Invoke from C#. The HID communication layer relies on IOHIDManager and IOUSBInterface APIs. The device is correctly detected and opened using IOHIDManager APIs. However, IOHIDDeviceRegisterInputReportCallback never triggers — I don’t receive any input reports. To investigate, I also tried using low-level IOKit USB APIs via P/Invoke from my Catalyst app, calling into a native iOS library. When attempting to open the USB interface using IOUSBInterfaceOpen() or IOUSBInterfaceOpenSeize(), both calls fail with: kIOReturnNotPermitted (0xe00002e2). — indicating an access denied error, even though the device enumerates and opens successfully. Interestingly, when I call IOHIDDeviceSetReport(), it returns status = 0, meaning I can successfully send feature reports to the device. Only input reports (via the InputReportCallback) fail to arrive. I’ve confirmed this is not a device issue — the same hardware and protocol work perfectly under Windows using the HIDSharp library, where both input and output reports function correctly. What I’ve verified •Disabling sandboxing doesn’t change the behavior. •The device uses a vendor-specific usage page (not a standard HID like keyboard/mouse). •Enumeration, open, and SetReport all succeed — only reading input reports fails. •Tried polling queues, in queues Input_Misc element failed to add to the queues. •Tried getting report in a loop but no use.
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98
Oct ’25
iPhone/iPad DFU and Apple deviceinterfaced process
Problem Description: Since Our USB hubs are capable of sending Vendor Defined Messages (VDMs) over a USB Type-C cable connection, they can programmatically place iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices into DFU mode—without requiring any physical button interaction. Recently, we identified an issue when invoking DFU mode on an iPhone 15 using this method. Upon entering DFU mode, the device enumerates with USB Product ID 0x1881 (“Debug USB” – KIS interface). At that point, the deviceinterfaced daemon (launched by launchd) immediately detects the device and claims exclusive access to the USB interface. As a result, when our API Service attempts to communicate with the device through standard IOKit methods, it fails with the following error: 0xe00002c5 ((iokit/common) exclusive access and device already open) This prevents our libraries from reading the iBoot string (USB serial number string) that Apple devices normally expose in standard or recovery modes—information that includes ECID, CPID, CPRV, CPFM, BDID, and SCEP. This creates a significant barrier, as our API service becomes unable to perform subsequent device restoration operations as we missed the critical information. Request for Guidance: I’ve included the following context for your analysis and review. Using the launchctl unload command can temporarily stop it; however, I’d like to know if there’s an API-level mechanism to programmatically prevent deviceinterfaced from claiming access from within our API Service. Could you please advise on the following points? 1.  Managing deviceinterfaced Access • What is the proper way to stop or prevent deviceinterfaced from claiming exclusive access in this case, so that the API Service can read device information and starts restoring the device from that point? • Is there a recommended method or entitlement that allows third-party services to communicate with Apple devices while they are in Debug USB (KIS) mode? 2.  Guidelines and API Access • Are there any Apple-supported APIs or developer guidelines that would permit controlled access to the iBoot interface without conflicting with deviceinterfaced?
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113
Oct ’25
CryptoTokenKit: TKSmartCardSlotManager.default is nil on macOS (Designed for iPad) but works on iPadOS and macOS
I have an iOS/iPadOS app and 'm trying to communicate with usb smart card reader using CryptoTokenKit on all platforms (ios/ipados/macos). Minimal Repro Code import CryptoTokenKit import SwiftUI struct ContentView: View { @State var status = "" var body: some View { VStack { Text("Status: \(status)") } .padding() .onAppear { let manager = TKSmartCardSlotManager.default if manager != nil { status = "Initialized" } else { status = "Unsupported" } } } } And my entitlement file has only one key: com.apple.security.smartcard = YES Behavior • iPadOS (on device): status = "Initialized" ✅ • macOS (native macOS app, with the required CryptoTokenKit entitlement): status = "Initialized" ✅ • macOS (Designed for iPad, regardless of CryptoTokenKit entitlement): status = "Unsupported" → TKSmartCardSlotManager.default is nil ❌ Expectation Given that the same iPadOS build initializes TKSmartCardSlotManager, I expected the iPad app running in Designed for iPad mode on Apple silicon Mac to behave the same (or to have a documented limitation). Questions Is CryptoTokenKit (and specifically TKSmartCardSlotManager) supported for iPad apps running on Mac in Designed for iPad mode? If support exists, what entitlements / capabilities are required for USB smart-card access in this configuration? If not supported, is Mac Catalyst the correct/only path on macOS to access USB smart-card readers via CryptoTokenKit? Are there recommended alternatives for iPad apps on Mac (Designed for iPad) to communicate with USB smart-card readers (e.g., ExternalAccessory, DriverKit, etc.), or is this scenario intentionally unsupported? Thanks!
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4w
BLE Peripherals streaming speeds are significantly slowed with new hardware (iPhone 17, iPad A16)
Hi, we have developed an application that streams data from two BLE peripherals at a rate of 14.5kbps per peripheral. Until now, our devices streamed in near real time with no lag on all Apple devices with Bluetooth 5.0 or greater. Since the release of the iPhone 17 series and the iPad A16, we have reports from users of the data being streamed at significantly lower rates than expected. Any help here would be greatly appreciated as our customers are being affected by this change.
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116
Nov ’25
iOS requirements for HID over GATT
I am developing a virtual Bluetooth HID keyboard device on my Win desktop that connects to my iPad over bluetooth and advertises itself as a keyboard to control the iPad. It works very well already on Android, but not on iOS. I can see in Packet Logger that it reads well as a HID device, reads the report map and HID information correctly, which data is all valid. It doesn't subscribe to the report's Client Characteristic Configuration, just silently quitting and the keyboard does not work. I can post more information if needed, but my question in short is what are the requirements for iOS to accept a HID over GATT as a keyboard peripheral. I feel like I am close.
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819
Mar ’25
About USB accessory certification
I have a question about Apple certification. We are planning card reader via HID(human interface device) for iPad that support USB-C. iPad will receive data as HID protocol. In this case do I have to get certificate(for example MFi) like Apple USB accessory?
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113
Apr ’25
Confused by what is allowed for System Level Apple Watch Bluetooth Connection. Does it require MFi or are there only some BLE chips allowed?
Hello. I am building a BLE device that is Activity Fitness based and would like a "System Level" BLE connection on WatchOS using an ESP32 (I have built a test of this on the firmware side). Meaning I do not want my iOS app to pass the BLE connection to the WatchOS app. It seems like these App Level connections do not get as many background updates as a System Level connection, and also requires the WatchOS app to be launched to connect to the BLE device The System Level BLE connection (WatchOS Settings > BLE > Health Devices) allows for auto connection in the background, and gets more reliable background communication between the BLE device and the Apple Watch On the Apple MFi Page it only mentions iOS: From Apple MFi Page: :: Who does NOT need to join - Developers and manufacturers of accessories that connect to an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy, Core Bluetooth, or standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS Does this apply to WatchOS as well? So, if I am making an BLE device that is Activity Based, and has one of the allowable Health Device UUIDs, is the BLE System Connection allowed using any BLE chip? Including say an ESP32 I have built a test BLE firmware that is a Health Device UUID, and the WatchOS sees it as a health device Is this fine then? No need for MFi application and also no need to worry about which BLE chip is used? thanks
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116
May ’25
External Mic (Hollyland Lark M2) Not Working After iOS 26 Update on iPhone 11 Pro Max
I am writing to report an issue I’m facing after updating my iPhone 11 Pro Max to iOS 26. I have been using the Hollyland Lark M2 external microphone via the Lightning port, and it was working perfectly before the update. However, after upgrading to iOS 26, the iPhone no longer detects it correctly. The device now recognizes the mic as a pair of wired earphones, and it fails to capture any audio input. The microphone itself works flawlessly on other devices, so this appears to be an iOS-specific issue. Could you please confirm: • Whether this is a known issue in iOS 26? • If there are any settings or steps I can take to resolve this? • Whether a fix is planned in an upcoming iOS patch? I would appreciate any guidance or solution you can provide. Thank you for your support.
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121
Jul ’25
Battery Health dropped after updating to iOS 26 Public Beta
I have bought iphone 16 pro max on October 28, ( 9 months ago) and rarely dropped by battery health below 20%. I also set limit to 80% so I can preserve my Battery Health. I am not a multitasking user. I used fan to keep the phone cool during charging. But today I update to iOS26 public beta, It dropped to 99% at 88 Cycle which is quite low cycle. Many other user are getting their battery health dropped to 99% after 120, 130+ cycle with daily usage. Why mine got dropped after updating. I am quite unhappy with it, and iOS 26 is so jittery in my phone
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329
Nov ’25
Wallet no longer appear near iBeacon
Hello, We are testing Wallet passes with iBeacons in iOS 26 Beta. In earlier iOS releases, when a device was in proximity to a registered beacon, the corresponding pass would surface automatically. In iOS 26 Beta, this behavior no longer occurs, even if the pass is already present in Wallet. I have not found documentation of this change in the iOS 26 release notes. Could you please confirm whether this is expected in iOS 26, or if it may be a Beta-specific issue? Any pointers to updated documentation would be appreciated. Thank you.
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151
Oct ’25
Apple Pencil Pro Haptic Initiation
Hello, The Apple Pencil Pro brought with it the UICanvasFeedbackGenerator API, which lets us trigger haptic feedback on discrete events initiated by the pencil. That works fine. My question then: is it possible / are we "allowed" to trigger haptic feedback on events that weren't initiated by the pencil? For example, say the user is using a left hand finger to drag a slider, while holding the pencil in their right hand-- would it be possible to make the pencil vibrate to indicate the dragged slider knob reached a certain point? Or is the rule that vibration is only possible/allowed when the pencil itself generated a touch? Thanks!
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209
Sep ’25
Question about SpeechTranscriber availability on specific iPad models
Hello, I am a developer planning to build an application using Apple's new SpeechTranscriber technology. I am facing an issue where SpeechTranscriber is not available on my iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation, model number: MXDC2J/A), even though I have updated it to iPadOS 26. I was under the impression that SpeechTranscriber would be available on any device running iPadOS 26. Could you please clarify if this is incorrect? Furthermore, I am planning to purchase a new iPad with an A16 chip for the development and deployment of this application. Can you confirm if SpeechTranscriber will be fully functional on an iPad equipped with the A16 chip? Thank you for your assistance.
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182
Nov ’25
AudioSession Crash
We have recently encountered an App crash, as shown in the picture. We call this function as: let session = AVAudioSession.sharedInstance() guard session.currentRoute.outputs.isEmpty == false else { return false } The TestFlight caught this issue, and the iOS device information is attached: Do you have any suggestions to avoid this crash?
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104
Sep ’25
Assistance Needed: Accessing Smartcard Certificates for Document Signing on iOS
We are preparing to implement document signing using USB tokens on iOS and macOS. Several other applications already support this feature. From my testing and development efforts, I've been unable to reliably access or utilize certificates stored on a smartcard through the iOS APIs. Here are the specifics: Environment iOS: 15 and later Xcode: Versions 18 and 26 Smartcard/Token: ePass 2003 (eMudhra), Feitien token (Capricorn) Observed Issue : The token is recognized at the system level, with certificates visible in Keychain Access. However, programmatic access to the private keys on the smartcard from within the app is not working. Signing attempts result in Error 6985 and CACC errors. Approaches Tried: Updated provisioning profiles with the following entitlements: com.apple.developer.smartcard com.apple.security.device.usb TKSmartCard Employed TKSmartCard and TKSmartCardSession for interaction. The token is detected successfully. A session can be established, but there's no straightforward method to leverage it for certificate-based signing. Access to signing functions is unavailable; operations yield Error 6985 or CACC errors. if let smartCard = TKSmartCard(slot: someSlot) { smartCard.openSession { session, error in if let session = session { let command: [UInt8] = [0x00, 0xA4, 0x04, 0x00] session.transmit(Data(command)) { response, error in print("Response: \(String(describing: response))") print("Error: \(String(describing: error))") } } } } TokenKit (macOS/iOS) - Utilized TKTokenWatcher to identify available tokens on macOS (not available on iOS). watcher.setInsertionHandler { tokenID in print("Token detected: \(tokenID)") } CryptoKit / Security Framework - Attempted to retrieve SecCertificate using SecItemCopyMatching queries, which succeeded on macOS but failed on iOS. let query: [CFString: Any] = [ kSecClass: kSecClassCertificate, kSecReturnRef: true, kSecMatchLimit: kSecMatchLimitAll ] var items: CFTypeRef? let status = SecItemCopyMatching(query as CFDictionary, &items) print("Status: \(status)") // macOS succeeds, iOS fails ExternalAccessory Framework (EAAccessory) * Investigated using EAAccessory and EASession for external token communication, but it did not function as expected. This functionality is critical for my project. Has anyone successfully implemented smartcard-based signing on iOS? Any guidance, sample code, or references to relevant Apple documentation would be greatly appreciated.
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129
Nov ’25