internals: update for macOS 26.3 Tahoe

This commit is contained in:
Michael Roitzsch
2026-02-09 15:58:24 +01:00
parent 00dec27c21
commit 2980fbdb3e

View File

@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ App Nap quiescence detection for applications and corresponding self-demotion in
App Sandbox Seatbelt-based sandbox for apps; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles/application.sb; enabled with com.apple.security.app-sandbox entitlement; launchd service: com.apple.secinitd App Sandbox Seatbelt-based sandbox for apps; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles/application.sb; enabled with com.apple.security.app-sandbox entitlement; launchd service: com.apple.secinitd
AppleCare extended warranty; NewDeviceOutreach.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent AppleCare extended warranty; NewDeviceOutreach.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent
APT Adaptive Picture Timing? ProMotion; dynamic screen updates with 120Hz base frequency; AppleDisplayTCONControl.framework APT Adaptive Picture Timing? ProMotion; dynamic screen updates with 120Hz base frequency; AppleDisplayTCONControl.framework
Ask To parental-controlled user can ask parent for exceptions; launchd service: com.apple.asktod; AskToCore.framework Ask To parental-controlled user can ask parent for exceptions; launchd service: com.apple.asktod; AskTo.framework
ASL Apple System Logger, superseded by Unified Logging; /etc/asl; stored in /var/log/asl; launchd service: com.apple.syslogd; command line tool: syslog ASL Apple System Logger, superseded by Unified Logging; /etc/asl; stored in /var/log/asl; launchd service: com.apple.syslogd; command line tool: syslog
ASR Apple Software Restore; restore entire volumes from sources like disk images (HDI, SIU), also restores based on APFS snapshots and snapshot deltas; command line tool: asr ASR Apple Software Restore; restore entire volumes from sources like disk images (HDI, SIU), also restores based on APFS snapshots and snapshot deltas; command line tool: asr
Assertions power state management allowing applications to prevent sleeping; launchd service: com.apple.powerd; command line tools: caffeinate, pmset Assertions power state management allowing applications to prevent sleeping; launchd service: com.apple.powerd; command line tools: caffeinate, pmset
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Chamois Stage Manager
CHIP Connected Home over IP; Matter; integrated into HomeKit, can use Thread as transport layer; HomeKitMatter.framework, CoreThread.framework; launchd services: com.apple.threadradiod, com.apple.ThreadCommissionerService CHIP Connected Home over IP; Matter; integrated into HomeKit, can use Thread as transport layer; HomeKitMatter.framework, CoreThread.framework; launchd services: com.apple.threadradiod, com.apple.ThreadCommissionerService
Circle cryptographic primitive to exchange public keys of trusted devices of a user, signed by Circle peers; iCloud identity added as additional Circle peer, private key synced across all trusted devices, new devices can pull this key from Secure Backup to join the Circle; per-device Circles stored in CKKS for two-factor accounts (Octagon); KeychainCircle.framework; command line tools: otctl (Octagon) Circle cryptographic primitive to exchange public keys of trusted devices of a user, signed by Circle peers; iCloud identity added as additional Circle peer, private key synced across all trusted devices, new devices can pull this key from Secure Backup to join the Circle; per-device Circles stored in CKKS for two-factor accounts (Octagon); KeychainCircle.framework; command line tools: otctl (Octagon)
CKKS CloudKit Key Sync, end-to-end secure syncing for credentials, seeded by Circle; currently includes ApplePay, AutoUnlock, CreditCards, DevicePairing, Engram, Health, Home, Manatee, SOS, WiFi and other keys; launchd service: com.apple.secd; command line tool: ckksctl CKKS CloudKit Key Sync, end-to-end secure syncing for credentials, seeded by Circle; currently includes ApplePay, AutoUnlock, CreditCards, DevicePairing, Engram, Health, Home, Manatee, SOS, WiFi and other keys; launchd service: com.apple.secd; command line tool: ckksctl
CL4 Apples variant of the L4 microkernel, derived from Pistachio and Wombat/Darbat CL4 Apples variant of the L4 microkernel, derived from Pistachio/seL4 and Wombat/Darbat
Clarity customizable accessibility mode for simplified UI; ClarityFoundation.framework Clarity customizable accessibility mode for simplified UI; ClarityFoundation.framework
Classroom school teachers can create assignments for student iPads and track progress in Schoolwork app; ClassKit.framework; launchd service: com.apple.studentd Classroom school teachers can create assignments for student iPads and track progress in Schoolwork app; ClassKit.framework; launchd service: com.apple.studentd
Cloud Pairing part of Alloy, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing over iCloud for Continuity; launchd service: com.apple.BTServer.cloudpairing (cloudpaird) Cloud Pairing part of Alloy, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing over iCloud for Continuity; launchd service: com.apple.BTServer.cloudpairing (cloudpaird)
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Continuity umbrella term for Handoff, Sidecar, iPhone Mirroring, SMS relay, Univ
Control Center icons in menu/status bar and Bento Box controls UI, gradually replaces SystemUIServer on macOS; handles incoming AirPlay content; launchd services: com.apple.controlcenter, com.apple.SystemUIServer.agent Control Center icons in menu/status bar and Bento Box controls UI, gradually replaces SystemUIServer on macOS; handles incoming AirPlay content; launchd services: com.apple.controlcenter, com.apple.SystemUIServer.agent
CPML CorePrediction Machine Learning; CPMLBestShim.framework CPML CorePrediction Machine Learning; CPMLBestShim.framework
CRD Conference Room Display; Apple TV mode CRD Conference Room Display; Apple TV mode
Cryptex Cryptographically sealed Extension of SSV, mount-invisible extension of the root volume, allows lightweight updates as part of Rapid Security Response; /System/Cryptexes (mountpoint), /System/Volumes/Preboot/*/cryptex1/current/*.dmg (disk images) Cryptex Cryptographically sealed Extension of SSV, mount-invisible overlay of the root volume, allows lightweight updates as part of Rapid Security Response; /System/Cryptexes (mountpoint), /System/Volumes/Preboot/*/cryptex1/current/*.dmg (disk images)
CSR Configurable Security Restrictions; XNU subsystem that is the basis for SIP CSR Configurable Security Restrictions; XNU subsystem that is the basis for SIP
CTK Crypto Token Kit; smart card management, also for the Secure Element on iOS? launchd service: com.apple.ctkd; command line tool: sc_auth CTK Crypto Token Kit; smart card management, also for the Secure Element on iOS? launchd service: com.apple.ctkd; command line tool: sc_auth
CTS Centralized Task Scheduling; execution of DAS tasks; /System/Library/UserEventPlugins/com.apple.cts.plugin CTS Centralized Task Scheduling; execution of DAS tasks; /System/Library/UserEventPlugins/com.apple.cts.plugin
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ DFR Dynamic Function Row?, TouchBar; /System/Library/CoreServices/ControlStrip.a
DFU Device Firmware Update; special boot mode where iOS has not booted and the system can be installed over the Lightning connection DFU Device Firmware Update; special boot mode where iOS has not booted and the system can be installed over the Lightning connection
Differential Privacy crowdsourcing without user tracking; privacy budget for management of anonymity set; used for keyboard words, emoji, Spotlight searches, Parsec deep links, HealthKit usage, Safari telemetry; /System/Library/DifferentialPrivacy; stored in /var/db/DifferentialPrivacy; launchd service: com.apple.dprivacyd Differential Privacy crowdsourcing without user tracking; privacy budget for management of anonymity set; used for keyboard words, emoji, Spotlight searches, Parsec deep links, HealthKit usage, Safari telemetry; /System/Library/DifferentialPrivacy; stored in /var/db/DifferentialPrivacy; launchd service: com.apple.dprivacyd
Digital Separation safety check feature to inhibit sharing relationships; DigitalSeparation.framework Digital Separation safety check feature to inhibit sharing relationships; DigitalSeparation.framework
DMC Device Management Client; part of MDM; DMCUtilities.framework DMC Device Management Client; part of MDM; DMCApps.framework, DMCUtilities.framework
DMC Disk Mount Conditioner; simulates slow IO devices; command line tool: dmc DMC Disk Mount Conditioner; simulates slow IO devices; command line tool: dmc
DND Do Not Disturb DND Do Not Disturb
Dose ambient sound level checking on Watch; /Applications/Dose.app Dose ambient sound level checking on Watch; /Applications/Dose.app
@@ -122,6 +122,7 @@ DTrace system-wide tracing infrastructure, command line tools: dtrace, *.d, dapp
Duet telemetry collection engine for system and user events, forecasting by machine learning, backend for DAS, Proactive, Relevance, Screen Time, thermal and battery management; /System/Library/DuetKnowledgeBase, /System/Library/DuetExpertCenter; CoreDuet.framework, CoreKnowledge.framework, CorePrediction.framework, CascadeEngine.framework (link to Biome); launchd services: com.apple.coreduetd, com.apple.duetexpertd, com.apple.knowledge-agent, com.apple.ospredictiond Duet telemetry collection engine for system and user events, forecasting by machine learning, backend for DAS, Proactive, Relevance, Screen Time, thermal and battery management; /System/Library/DuetKnowledgeBase, /System/Library/DuetExpertCenter; CoreDuet.framework, CoreKnowledge.framework, CorePrediction.framework, CascadeEngine.framework (link to Biome); launchd services: com.apple.coreduetd, com.apple.duetexpertd, com.apple.knowledge-agent, com.apple.ospredictiond
Dyld Shared Cache dynamic linker cache, stores all system libraries in prelinked form, original library files are removed; /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/OS/System/Library/dyld; command line tools: dyld_info, dyld_usage, update_dyld_shared_cache Dyld Shared Cache dynamic linker cache, stores all system libraries in prelinked form, original library files are removed; /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/OS/System/Library/dyld; command line tools: dyld_info, dyld_usage, update_dyld_shared_cache
EAS Exchange Active Sync; network protocol for accessing Microsoft Exchange servers EAS Exchange Active Sync; network protocol for accessing Microsoft Exchange servers
Ecosystem tracks usage of system functionalty by apps, can inform user to trigger responses; Ecosystem.framework; launchd services: com.apple.ecosystemd, com.apple.ecosystemagent
EDR Extended Dynamic Range; rendering with transfer function extending beyond sRGB white; implemented natively on XDR displays and by backlight modulation on others; HDRProcessing.framework EDR Extended Dynamic Range; rendering with transfer function extending beyond sRGB white; implemented natively on XDR displays and by backlight modulation on others; HDRProcessing.framework
Energy Impact unitless metric for per-application energy consumption, machine-specific coefficients; /usr/share/pmenergy, launchd services: com.apple.sysmond, com.apple.thermald; command line tool: powermetrics Energy Impact unitless metric for per-application energy consumption, machine-specific coefficients; /usr/share/pmenergy, launchd services: com.apple.sysmond, com.apple.thermald; command line tool: powermetrics
Engram Messages in iCloud; devices store received iMessages in CloudKit; Engram.framework Engram Messages in iCloud; devices store received iMessages in CloudKit; Engram.framework
@@ -143,6 +144,7 @@ Focus restriction modes for notification presentation; focus filters for in-app
FollowUp user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd FollowUp user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd
FoundationDB fundamental iCloud storage database, marketed as CloudKit, separated into containers; records, blobs, and large asset storage with MMCS, server-side continuous queries can trigger push notifications, user management by IDS, sharing between users by GroupKit; PCS keys used for hierarchical zone, record, and asset encryption; CloudKitDaemon.framework; launchd service: com.apple.cloudd; locally stored in ~/Library/Caches/CloudKit, ~/Library/Containers/*/Data/CloudKit; command line tool: cktool FoundationDB fundamental iCloud storage database, marketed as CloudKit, separated into containers; records, blobs, and large asset storage with MMCS, server-side continuous queries can trigger push notifications, user management by IDS, sharing between users by GroupKit; PCS keys used for hierarchical zone, record, and asset encryption; CloudKitDaemon.framework; launchd service: com.apple.cloudd; locally stored in ~/Library/Caches/CloudKit, ~/Library/Containers/*/Data/CloudKit; command line tool: cktool
FPR Fast Permission Restrictions; Apple CPU registers to downgrade (old APRRs do bitmasking) or remap (SPRRs since M1) actual permissions of memory pages (the CTRR region) per thread FPR Fast Permission Restrictions; Apple CPU registers to downgrade (old APRRs do bitmasking) or remap (SPRRs since M1) actual permissions of memory pages (the CTRR region) per thread
FRC Flow Residual Correction? optical-flow video analysis; FRC.framework
FSKit user space file system support; kernel stub file system is /System/Library/Extensions/lifs.kext; file systems are in /System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/com.apple.fskit.*; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.fskitd, com.apple.filesystems.doubleagentd (handling of Apple double files in user space); extension point: com.apple.fskit.fsmodule FSKit user space file system support; kernel stub file system is /System/Library/Extensions/lifs.kext; file systems are in /System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/com.apple.fskit.*; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.fskitd, com.apple.filesystems.doubleagentd (handling of Apple double files in user space); extension point: com.apple.fskit.fsmodule
FUD Firmware Update Daemon; see TSS, UARP; launchd service: com.apple.accessoryupdaterd FUD Firmware Update Daemon; see TSS, UARP; launchd service: com.apple.accessoryupdaterd
Game Mode auto-activates when games are shown full screen, throttles background work, lowers audio and input latency; launchd service: com.apple.gamepolicyd Game Mode auto-activates when games are shown full screen, throttles background work, lowers audio and input latency; launchd service: com.apple.gamepolicyd
@@ -181,6 +183,7 @@ ITP Intelligent Tracking Prevention, cross-site tracking defenses in Safari, sta
JARVIS Just A Rather Very Intelligent Scheduler, Mesos cluster manager for Siri, iCloud, AMS JARVIS Just A Rather Very Intelligent Scheduler, Mesos cluster manager for Siri, iCloud, AMS
Jellyfish Animoji; /Applications/Jellyfish.app Jellyfish Animoji; /Applications/Jellyfish.app
Jetsam reclaiming of purgeable memory and termination of apps during memory pressure Jetsam reclaiming of purgeable memory and termination of apps during memory pressure
Journal diary app; JournalShared.framework
JSC JavaScript Core; JavaScriptCore.framework; command line tool: jsc JSC JavaScript Core; JavaScriptCore.framework; command line tool: jsc
Kalamata codename for the transition from x86 to ARM-based Apple Silicon Kalamata codename for the transition from x86 to ARM-based Apple Silicon
Kerberos single-sign-on mechanism; Heimdal.framework; command line tools: kinit, ktutil Kerberos single-sign-on mechanism; Heimdal.framework; command line tools: kinit, ktutil
@@ -190,6 +193,7 @@ Keybag storage of protection class keys for Keychain and filesystem, protected b
Keychain storage for credentials; launchd service: com.apple.securityd; command line tools: certtool, security, systemkeychain Keychain storage for credentials; launchd service: com.apple.securityd; command line tools: certtool, security, systemkeychain
KIP Kernel Integrity Protection, locking of physical memory pages to prevent changes to kernel KIP Kernel Integrity Protection, locking of physical memory pages to prevent changes to kernel
Launch Services management for application launches, association of UTIs to apps, uses Spotlight to update cached info; launchd services: com.apple.coreservices.launchservicesd, com.apple.lsd; CoreServices.framework/LaunchServices.framework; command line tools: lsappinfo, lsregister Launch Services management for application launches, association of UTIs to apps, uses Spotlight to update cached info; launchd services: com.apple.coreservices.launchservicesd, com.apple.lsd; CoreServices.framework/LaunchServices.framework; command line tools: lsappinfo, lsregister
Liquid Glass UI design language, includes icon treatment; IconRendering.framework, LightSourceSupport.framework
Live Files user mode filesystems, currently FAT, ExFAT, NTFS on external storage; UserFS.framework, UVFSXPCService.framework; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.userfsd Live Files user mode filesystems, currently FAT, ExFAT, NTFS on external storage; UserFS.framework, UVFSXPCService.framework; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.userfsd
Liverpool PCS codename for CloudKit Liverpool PCS codename for CloudKit
LKDC Local Key Distribution Center, Kerberos on client machines LKDC Local Key Distribution Center, Kerberos on client machines
@@ -197,7 +201,7 @@ LSM Latent Semantic Mapping, text analysis, used for spam filtering, command lin
Mac Buddy historic name for Setup Assistant Mac Buddy historic name for Setup Assistant
MAC Policy Mandatory Access Control subsystem in XNU, based on TrustedBSD, implements policy hooks for restricted kernel operations; current policies: AMFI, Seatbelt, Quarantine, CSR MAC Policy Mandatory Access Control subsystem in XNU, based on TrustedBSD, implements policy hooks for restricted kernel operations; current policies: AMFI, Seatbelt, Quarantine, CSR
Machine Learning Vision.framework, Espresso.framework, Futhark.framework, PhotoAnalysis.framework; used for Live Text and Visual Lookup; launchd service: com.apple.mediaanalysisd Machine Learning Vision.framework, Espresso.framework, Futhark.framework, PhotoAnalysis.framework; used for Live Text and Visual Lookup; launchd service: com.apple.mediaanalysisd
Madrid iMessage; /System/Library/Messages Madrid iMessage; /System/Library/Messages; BubbleKit.framework (message bubble UI)
Manatee PCS key for some CloudKit containers are synced via CKKS, so data is unreadable to Apple (credential management codenames: Plesio, Stingray, Cuttlefish) Manatee PCS key for some CloudKit containers are synced via CKKS, so data is unreadable to Apple (credential management codenames: Plesio, Stingray, Cuttlefish)
Mandrake emergency siren on Apple Watch Ultra; /Applications/Mandrake.app Mandrake emergency siren on Apple Watch Ultra; /Applications/Mandrake.app
Mangrove transfering UI tiles over XPC; Mangrove.framework, IOSurface.framework Mangrove transfering UI tiles over XPC; Mangrove.framework, IOSurface.framework
@@ -218,7 +222,7 @@ Mobile prefix for iOS
Mobile Assets demand-downloaded system components like fonts, dictionaries, linguistic data; stored in /System/Library/Assets; launchd services: com.apple.languageassetd (language-dependent assets), com.apple.mobileassetd; server: mesu.apple.com Mobile Assets demand-downloaded system components like fonts, dictionaries, linguistic data; stored in /System/Library/Assets; launchd services: com.apple.languageassetd (language-dependent assets), com.apple.mobileassetd; server: mesu.apple.com
Mobile Device connectivity to iOS devices over USB or WiFi (AirTrafficHost) for syning, development, and debugging; MobileDevice.framework; launchd service: com.apple.usbmuxd; Bonjour service: _apple-mobdev2._tcp Mobile Device connectivity to iOS devices over USB or WiFi (AirTrafficHost) for syning, development, and debugging; MobileDevice.framework; launchd service: com.apple.usbmuxd; Bonjour service: _apple-mobdev2._tcp
MOC Managed Object Context; Core Data object space MOC Managed Object Context; Core Data object space
Mondrian photo collage arrangement in Photos.app; Mondrian.framework Mondrian photo collage arrangement in Photos.app; Mondrian.framework, GridZero.framework
MRT Malware Removal Tool; /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app; superseded by XProtect MRT Malware Removal Tool; /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app; superseded by XProtect
Multipeer Connectivity ad-hoc networking; Bonjour for discovery; WiFi, AWDL, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as transport; optional encryption and certificate-based authentication; MultipeerConnectivity.framework Multipeer Connectivity ad-hoc networking; Bonjour for discovery; WiFi, AWDL, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as transport; optional encryption and certificate-based authentication; MultipeerConnectivity.framework
Nano prefix for watchOS Nano prefix for watchOS
@@ -227,6 +231,7 @@ Nebula sleep apnea detection on watchOS; BreathingAlgorithms.framework
New Device Outreach high-level Bluetooth device pairing flow; NewDeviceOutreach.framework, NDOAPI.framework, NDOUI.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent New Device Outreach high-level Bluetooth device pairing flow; NewDeviceOutreach.framework, NDOAPI.framework, NDOUI.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent
Newton fall detection on watchOS Newton fall detection on watchOS
NLP Natural Language Processing; NLP.framework; related to mecabra libraries, a linguistic engine for Chinese and Japanese; /usr/share/mecabra, /usr/share/tokenizer NLP Natural Language Processing; NLP.framework; related to mecabra libraries, a linguistic engine for Chinese and Japanese; /usr/share/mecabra, /usr/share/tokenizer
NLU Natural Language Understanding; Greymatter Siri engine; SiriNLUTypes.framework, SiriNaturalLanguageParsing.framework
Notarization app security scan by Apple; cryptographic proof stapled to code signature, tested at launch by System Policy; for non-notarized apps sends code hash to Apple; command line tools: notarytool, altool, stapler Notarization app security scan by Apple; cryptographic proof stapled to code signature, tested at launch by System Policy; for non-notarized apps sends code hash to Apple; command line tools: notarytool, altool, stapler
Noticeboard User Notifications for Software Update and App Store, Noticeboard.framework; launchd services: com.apple.noticeboard.state (nbstated), com.apple.noticeboard.agent (nbagent) Noticeboard User Notifications for Software Update and App Store, Noticeboard.framework; launchd services: com.apple.noticeboard.state (nbstated), com.apple.noticeboard.agent (nbagent)
Notifications system notification bus, unrelated to the local/remote push notifications; launchd service: com.apple.notifyd, com.apple.kuncd (invoked by kernel through host special port 10); command line tool: notifyutil; complemented by framework-level notification system (CFNotification, NSNotification); launchd services: com.apple.distnoted.xpc.daemon, com.apple.distnoted.xpc.agent Notifications system notification bus, unrelated to the local/remote push notifications; launchd service: com.apple.notifyd, com.apple.kuncd (invoked by kernel through host special port 10); command line tool: notifyutil; complemented by framework-level notification system (CFNotification, NSNotification); launchd services: com.apple.distnoted.xpc.daemon, com.apple.distnoted.xpc.agent
@@ -244,7 +249,7 @@ PAC Pointer Authentication Codes; pointers signed in unused bits to prevent ROP
Packages unit of software installation; command line tools: pkgutil, installer, softwareupdate; launchd services: com.apple.softwareupdated, com.apple.bootinstalld, com.apple.installd, com.apple.system_installd, com.apple.uninstalld; /var/db/softwareupdate, /Library/Apple/System/Library/Receipts (system), /System/Library/Receipts (read-only), /private/var/db/receipts (App Store) Packages unit of software installation; command line tools: pkgutil, installer, softwareupdate; launchd services: com.apple.softwareupdated, com.apple.bootinstalld, com.apple.installd, com.apple.system_installd, com.apple.uninstalld; /var/db/softwareupdate, /Library/Apple/System/Library/Receipts (system), /System/Library/Receipts (read-only), /private/var/db/receipts (App Store)
Packet Filter network traffic filtering subsystem from OpenBSD; command line tool: pfctl Packet Filter network traffic filtering subsystem from OpenBSD; command line tool: pfctl
Parsec Spotlight web results and searching of crowdsourced Intent deep links; server: *.smoot.apple.com; launchd services: com.apple.parsecd, com.apple.parsec-fbf (Feedback Flush to Differential Privacy); telemetry collection with Poirot: PoirotSQLite.framework, PoirotUDFs.framework, SearchOnDeviceAnalytics.framework Parsec Spotlight web results and searching of crowdsourced Intent deep links; server: *.smoot.apple.com; launchd services: com.apple.parsecd, com.apple.parsec-fbf (Feedback Flush to Differential Privacy); telemetry collection with Poirot: PoirotSQLite.framework, PoirotUDFs.framework, SearchOnDeviceAnalytics.framework
Party Studio Karaoke mode on tvOS, where video from a paired phone is shown with effects; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/PartyStudio.* Party Studio Karaoke mode on tvOS, where video from a paired phone is shown with effects; PartyStudio.framework; /Applications/Sing.app
Passkey keypair used for authentication instead of password, synced via SOS, implements WebAuthn standard; keys can be used to login on separate device via QR code and Bluetooth proximity proof; AuthenticationServices.framework Passkey keypair used for authentication instead of password, synced via SOS, implements WebAuthn standard; keys can be used to login on separate device via QR code and Bluetooth proximity proof; AuthenticationServices.framework
Password Breach monitoring of Keychain passwords against a breach database; round-robin matching in fixed-size batches, local match against common leaks, remote match using hash prefix; launchd service: com.apple.Safari.passwordbreachd Password Breach monitoring of Keychain passwords against a breach database; round-robin matching in fixed-size batches, local match against common leaks, remote match using hash prefix; launchd service: com.apple.Safari.passwordbreachd
Pasteboard storage for cut, copy, and paste; type of content remembered as UTI; launchd service: com.apple.pboard; command line tools: pbcopy, pbpaste Pasteboard storage for cut, copy, and paste; type of content remembered as UTI; launchd service: com.apple.pboard; command line tools: pbcopy, pbpaste
@@ -253,10 +258,10 @@ PCC Private Cloud Compute; server-based AFM for AI, running on Apple Silicon man
PCS Protected Cloud Storage; key management for separate iCloud storage compartments (PCS calls them views), each can contain FoundationDB plus bulk data stored by MMCS; see also iCDP, CKKS, GroupKit, Manatee; ProtectedCloudStorage.framework; /System/Library/Preferences/ProtectedCloudStorage; command line tool: pcsstatus PCS Protected Cloud Storage; key management for separate iCloud storage compartments (PCS calls them views), each can contain FoundationDB plus bulk data stored by MMCS; see also iCDP, CKKS, GroupKit, Manatee; ProtectedCloudStorage.framework; /System/Library/Preferences/ProtectedCloudStorage; command line tool: pcsstatus
PCSC Personal Computer Smart Card; PCSC.framework, uses CTK PCSC Personal Computer Smart Card; PCSC.framework, uses CTK
PDE Print Dialog Extension; old name, not a proper Extension PDE Print Dialog Extension; old name, not a proper Extension
Peak Power managing battery power draw; launchd service: com.apple.peakpowermanagerd; /System/Library/PPM/BatteryModels
PEC/PIR Private Encrypted Compute and Private Information Retrieval; used for parental controls for media and web; CipherML.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ciphermld PEC/PIR Private Encrypted Compute and Private Information Retrieval; used for parental controls for media and web; CipherML.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ciphermld
Pegasus meaning 1: picture-in-picture video playback; Pegasus.framework (iOS), PIP.framework (macOS); meaning 2: online search query engine for visual lookup; PegasusKit.framework Pegasus meaning 1: picture-in-picture video playback; Pegasus.framework (iOS), PIP.framework (macOS); meaning 2: online search query engine for visual lookup; PegasusKit.framework
People contacts with Apple Accounts within Group Activities and Shared With You People contacts with Apple Accounts within Group Activities and Shared With You
Pepper UI elements for Watch home screen and Chat, like Quickboard (canned replies), Animoji; PepperUICore.framework
Persona separation of sub-user-identities, like when using a private and managed Apple account; PersonaKit.framework; ~/Library/Personas; /System/Library/UserManagement; command line tool: umtool Persona separation of sub-user-identities, like when using a private and managed Apple account; PersonaKit.framework; ~/Library/Personas; /System/Library/UserManagement; command line tool: umtool
PHASE Physical Audio Spatialization Engine; 3D sound rendering engine; Apple devices map audio sources (even mono and stereo) to virtual speakers in a 3D sound stage, which is simulated by the physical speakers via a head-related transfer function; PHASE.framework PHASE Physical Audio Spatialization Engine; 3D sound rendering engine; Apple devices map audio sources (even mono and stereo) to virtual speakers in a 3D sound stage, which is simulated by the physical speakers via a head-related transfer function; PHASE.framework
Piano Mover Mail Drop; bulk mail attachments transfered over PCS; not to be confused with storage for iMessage attachments, which uses a CloudKit container Piano Mover Mail Drop; bulk mail attachments transfered over PCS; not to be confused with storage for iMessage attachments, which uses a CloudKit container
@@ -288,6 +293,7 @@ RTC Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd ser
RTKit real-time runtime used for firmware of Apple Silicon co-processors; on top of CL4 in Apples cellular modem RTKit real-time runtime used for firmware of Apple Silicon co-processors; on top of CL4 in Apples cellular modem
RunningBoard runtime management of apps, paradigm: app as service process invoked by system, check-in by frameworks, handles process assertions (frontmost app, see App Nap), memory pressure (see Jetsam) and compute resources (GPU), replacement for TAL?; launchd service: com.apple.runningboardd; /System/Library/LifecyclePolicy, /System/Library/RunningBoard RunningBoard runtime management of apps, paradigm: app as service process invoked by system, check-in by frameworks, handles process assertions (frontmost app, see App Nap), memory pressure (see Jetsam) and compute resources (GPU), replacement for TAL?; launchd service: com.apple.runningboardd; /System/Library/LifecyclePolicy, /System/Library/RunningBoard
Safety Monitor Check In; short-term location sharing in iMessage until a destination is reached; /Applications/SafetyMonitorApp.app Safety Monitor Check In; short-term location sharing in iMessage until a destination is reached; /Applications/SafetyMonitorApp.app
Salt & Pepper UI elements for Watch; SaltUICore.framework, PepperUICore.framework
SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles
SCIP System Coprocessor Integrity Protection; like KIP, but for SEP, ISP, Motion coprocessor SCIP System Coprocessor Integrity Protection; like KIP, but for SEP, ISP, Motion coprocessor
Screen Reader VoiceOver and Braille; /System/Library/ScreenReader; ScreenReader.framework Screen Reader VoiceOver and Braille; /System/Library/ScreenReader; ScreenReader.framework
@@ -320,6 +326,7 @@ Social Gaming Game Center; multiplayer gaming services on top of CloudKit, share
Sock Puppet Watch interaction that requires Companion iPhone Sock Puppet Watch interaction that requires Companion iPhone
SOS Secure Object Sync; syncing backend for iCloud Keychain, not to be confused with the emergency call feature; transferred items previously staged in Synced Defaults, for two-factor accounts in CKKS; launchd services: com.apple.secd (access to local keychain), com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3 (connects to Synced Defaults), com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification SOS Secure Object Sync; syncing backend for iCloud Keychain, not to be confused with the emergency call feature; transferred items previously staged in Synced Defaults, for two-factor accounts in CKKS; launchd services: com.apple.secd (access to local keychain), com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3 (connects to Synced Defaults), com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification
SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks
Splat Update Rapid Security Response, updates to Cryptex components without system restart
SpringBoard iOS home screen; like Dock (Launchpad, Mission Control, desktop picture), Control Center, SystemUIServer (menu extras icons), loginwindow (lock screen), and WindowServer (compositor) on macOS; /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app, /Applications/PreBoard.app, BaseBoard.framework, FrontBoard.framework, SplashBoard.framework; launchd service: com.apple.backboardd (compositor) SpringBoard iOS home screen; like Dock (Launchpad, Mission Control, desktop picture), Control Center, SystemUIServer (menu extras icons), loginwindow (lock screen), and WindowServer (compositor) on macOS; /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app, /Applications/PreBoard.app, BaseBoard.framework, FrontBoard.framework, SplashBoard.framework; launchd service: com.apple.backboardd (compositor)
SPRR Shadow Permission Remap Register? feature of Apple Silicon to dynamically reintepret page permissions SPRR Shadow Permission Remap Register? feature of Apple Silicon to dynamically reintepret page permissions
SPTM Secure Page Table Monitor; code in kernel-level GXF protects page table modifications; Trusted Execution Monitor (TXM) in user-level GXF implements policy and parts of AMFI SPTM Secure Page Table Monitor; code in kernel-level GXF protects page table modifications; Trusted Execution Monitor (TXM) in user-level GXF implements policy and parts of AMFI
@@ -327,7 +334,7 @@ SRP Secure Remote Password; standard cryptographic protocol for proving knowledg
SSO Single Sign-On SSO Single Sign-On
SSV Signed System Volume, als called Authenticated Root Volume (ARV); macOS boots from blessed read-only APFS snapshot, merkle-tree and root-hash stored in Preboot volume; modifications require disabling root authentication with csrutil from recovery, then the live filesystem can be mounted, modified, and re-blessed; command line tools: apfs_systemsnapshot, bless, csrutil SSV Signed System Volume, als called Authenticated Root Volume (ARV); macOS boots from blessed read-only APFS snapshot, merkle-tree and root-hash stored in Preboot volume; modifications require disabling root authentication with csrutil from recovery, then the live filesystem can be mounted, modified, and re-blessed; command line tools: apfs_systemsnapshot, bless, csrutil
Stark CarPlay; iPhone provides video feeds for in-car displays; three layers composited by the car: remote UI (from iPhone), punch-through UI (back up camera), local UI (dashboard gauges: assets from iPhone, rendered by car, like Live Activities?), overlay UI (essential indicators); associate apps on iOS: /Applications/CarCamera.app, /Applications/Charge.app, /Applications/Climate.app, /Applications/Closures.app, /Applications/Media.app, /Applications/TirePressure.app, /Applications/Trip.app, /Applications/Vehicle.app Stark CarPlay; iPhone provides video feeds for in-car displays; three layers composited by the car: remote UI (from iPhone), punch-through UI (back up camera), local UI (dashboard gauges: assets from iPhone, rendered by car, like Live Activities?), overlay UI (essential indicators); associate apps on iOS: /Applications/CarCamera.app, /Applications/Charge.app, /Applications/Climate.app, /Applications/Closures.app, /Applications/Media.app, /Applications/TirePressure.app, /Applications/Trip.app, /Applications/Vehicle.app
Stockholm Secure Element in Apple SoCs, a processor running crypto protocols on keys it protects; used for Apple Pay and Car Key; related codenames: Icefall, Warsaw Stockholm Secure Element in Apple SoCs, a processor running crypto protocols on keys it protects; used for Apple Pay and Car Key; related codenames: Icefall, Warsaw; SEService.framework
Storage Management freeing up disk space by managing bulky items; UI in System Information.app; StorageManagement.framework; launchd service: com.apple.diskspaced; extension point: com.apple.storagemanagement; extends Cache Delete service Storage Management freeing up disk space by managing bulky items; UI in System Information.app; StorageManagement.framework; launchd service: com.apple.diskspaced; extension point: com.apple.storagemanagement; extends Cache Delete service
Suggestions semantic analysis of mails and websites to suggest contacts, calendar events and the like; launchd services: com.apple.suggestd, com.apple.reversetemplated; custom JavaScript parsers in /System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_CoreSuggestions Suggestions semantic analysis of mails and websites to suggest contacts, calendar events and the like; launchd services: com.apple.suggestd, com.apple.reversetemplated; custom JavaScript parsers in /System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_CoreSuggestions
Symbols debug symbols for backtraces; CoreSymbolication.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coresymbolicationd; command line tools: atos, symbols, symbolscache Symbols debug symbols for backtraces; CoreSymbolication.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coresymbolicationd; command line tools: atos, symbols, symbolscache
@@ -340,6 +347,7 @@ Tailspin sampling of process stack traces; launchd service: com.apple.tailspind;
TAL Transparent App Lifecycle; process for macOS apps started and stopped independently of the user launching and quitting app; also handles session restore across reboots; ~/Library/Saved Application State; launchd service: com.apple.talagent TAL Transparent App Lifecycle; process for macOS apps started and stopped independently of the user launching and quitting app; also handles session restore across reboots; ~/Library/Saved Application State; launchd service: com.apple.talagent
Taskport Mach kernel concept for ptrace-like access to task internals; access policy implemented by daemon; launchd service: com.apple.taskgated (invoked by kernel through task special port 9); command line tool: DevToolsSecurity Taskport Mach kernel concept for ptrace-like access to task internals; access policy implemented by daemon; launchd service: com.apple.taskgated (invoked by kernel through task special port 9); command line tool: DevToolsSecurity
TCC Transparency, Consent, and Control; user control over app access to privacy-related services (kTCCService*); TCC.framework; launchd services: com.apple.tccd, com.apple.tccd.system; command line tool: tccutil; stored in /Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, /var/db/locationd (for kTCCServiceLocation) TCC Transparency, Consent, and Control; user control over app access to privacy-related services (kTCCService*); TCC.framework; launchd services: com.apple.tccd, com.apple.tccd.system; command line tool: tccutil; stored in /Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, /var/db/locationd (for kTCCServiceLocation)
Tea component of Apples News, Stocks, and Weather apps, maybe interest personalization? TeaFoundation.framework, TeaDB.framework, TeaUI.framework
Template App code-less app-bundle, passed to an actual executable by LauncServices; created when adding websites in Safari to Dock/Springboard; run by /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/App/System/Library/CoreServices/Web App.app Template App code-less app-bundle, passed to an actual executable by LauncServices; created when adding websites in Safari to Dock/Springboard; run by /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/App/System/Library/CoreServices/Web App.app
Time Machine automatic backup service, command line tools: tmdiagnose, tmutil Time Machine automatic backup service, command line tools: tmdiagnose, tmutil
Tin Can Walkie Talkie on watchOS; /Applications/TinCan.app Tin Can Walkie Talkie on watchOS; /Applications/TinCan.app
1 Term Description
37 App Sandbox Seatbelt-based sandbox for apps; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles/application.sb; enabled with com.apple.security.app-sandbox entitlement; launchd service: com.apple.secinitd
38 AppleCare extended warranty; NewDeviceOutreach.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent
39 APT Adaptive Picture Timing? ProMotion; dynamic screen updates with 120Hz base frequency; AppleDisplayTCONControl.framework
40 Ask To parental-controlled user can ask parent for exceptions; launchd service: com.apple.asktod; AskToCore.framework parental-controlled user can ask parent for exceptions; launchd service: com.apple.asktod; AskTo.framework
41 ASL Apple System Logger, superseded by Unified Logging; /etc/asl; stored in /var/log/asl; launchd service: com.apple.syslogd; command line tool: syslog
42 ASR Apple Software Restore; restore entire volumes from sources like disk images (HDI, SIU), also restores based on APFS snapshots and snapshot deltas; command line tool: asr
43 Assertions power state management allowing applications to prevent sleeping; launchd service: com.apple.powerd; command line tools: caffeinate, pmset
79 CHIP Connected Home over IP; Matter; integrated into HomeKit, can use Thread as transport layer; HomeKitMatter.framework, CoreThread.framework; launchd services: com.apple.threadradiod, com.apple.ThreadCommissionerService
80 Circle cryptographic primitive to exchange public keys of trusted devices of a user, signed by Circle peers; iCloud identity added as additional Circle peer, private key synced across all trusted devices, new devices can pull this key from Secure Backup to join the Circle; per-device Circles stored in CKKS for two-factor accounts (Octagon); KeychainCircle.framework; command line tools: otctl (Octagon)
81 CKKS CloudKit Key Sync, end-to-end secure syncing for credentials, seeded by Circle; currently includes ApplePay, AutoUnlock, CreditCards, DevicePairing, Engram, Health, Home, Manatee, SOS, WiFi and other keys; launchd service: com.apple.secd; command line tool: ckksctl
82 CL4 Apple’s variant of the L4 microkernel, derived from Pistachio and Wombat/Darbat Apple’s variant of the L4 microkernel, derived from Pistachio/seL4 and Wombat/Darbat
83 Clarity customizable accessibility mode for simplified UI; ClarityFoundation.framework
84 Classroom school teachers can create assignments for student iPads and track progress in Schoolwork app; ClassKit.framework; launchd service: com.apple.studentd
85 Cloud Pairing part of Alloy, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing over iCloud for Continuity; launchd service: com.apple.BTServer.cloudpairing (cloudpaird)
92 Control Center icons in menu/status bar and Bento Box controls UI, gradually replaces SystemUIServer on macOS; handles incoming AirPlay content; launchd services: com.apple.controlcenter, com.apple.SystemUIServer.agent
93 CPML CorePrediction Machine Learning; CPMLBestShim.framework
94 CRD Conference Room Display; Apple TV mode
95 Cryptex Cryptographically sealed Extension of SSV, mount-invisible extension of the root volume, allows lightweight updates as part of Rapid Security Response; /System/Cryptexes (mountpoint), /System/Volumes/Preboot/*/cryptex1/current/*.dmg (disk images) Cryptographically sealed Extension of SSV, mount-invisible overlay of the root volume, allows lightweight updates as part of Rapid Security Response; /System/Cryptexes (mountpoint), /System/Volumes/Preboot/*/cryptex1/current/*.dmg (disk images)
96 CSR Configurable Security Restrictions; XNU subsystem that is the basis for SIP
97 CTK Crypto Token Kit; smart card management, also for the Secure Element on iOS? launchd service: com.apple.ctkd; command line tool: sc_auth
98 CTS Centralized Task Scheduling; execution of DAS tasks; /System/Library/UserEventPlugins/com.apple.cts.plugin
113 DFU Device Firmware Update; special boot mode where iOS has not booted and the system can be installed over the Lightning connection
114 Differential Privacy crowdsourcing without user tracking; privacy budget for management of anonymity set; used for keyboard words, emoji, Spotlight searches, Parsec deep links, HealthKit usage, Safari telemetry; /System/Library/DifferentialPrivacy; stored in /var/db/DifferentialPrivacy; launchd service: com.apple.dprivacyd
115 Digital Separation safety check feature to inhibit sharing relationships; DigitalSeparation.framework
116 DMC Device Management Client; part of MDM; DMCUtilities.framework Device Management Client; part of MDM; DMCApps.framework, DMCUtilities.framework
117 DMC Disk Mount Conditioner; simulates slow IO devices; command line tool: dmc
118 DND Do Not Disturb
119 Dose ambient sound level checking on Watch; /Applications/Dose.app
122 Duet telemetry collection engine for system and user events, forecasting by machine learning, backend for DAS, Proactive, Relevance, Screen Time, thermal and battery management; /System/Library/DuetKnowledgeBase, /System/Library/DuetExpertCenter; CoreDuet.framework, CoreKnowledge.framework, CorePrediction.framework, CascadeEngine.framework (link to Biome); launchd services: com.apple.coreduetd, com.apple.duetexpertd, com.apple.knowledge-agent, com.apple.ospredictiond
123 Dyld Shared Cache dynamic linker cache, stores all system libraries in prelinked form, original library files are removed; /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/OS/System/Library/dyld; command line tools: dyld_info, dyld_usage, update_dyld_shared_cache
124 EAS Exchange Active Sync; network protocol for accessing Microsoft Exchange servers
125 Ecosystem tracks usage of system functionalty by apps, can inform user to trigger responses; Ecosystem.framework; launchd services: com.apple.ecosystemd, com.apple.ecosystemagent
126 EDR Extended Dynamic Range; rendering with transfer function extending beyond sRGB white; implemented natively on XDR displays and by backlight modulation on others; HDRProcessing.framework
127 Energy Impact unitless metric for per-application energy consumption, machine-specific coefficients; /usr/share/pmenergy, launchd services: com.apple.sysmond, com.apple.thermald; command line tool: powermetrics
128 Engram Messages in iCloud; devices store received iMessages in CloudKit; Engram.framework
144 FollowUp user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd
145 FoundationDB fundamental iCloud storage database, marketed as CloudKit, separated into containers; records, blobs, and large asset storage with MMCS, server-side continuous queries can trigger push notifications, user management by IDS, sharing between users by GroupKit; PCS keys used for hierarchical zone, record, and asset encryption; CloudKitDaemon.framework; launchd service: com.apple.cloudd; locally stored in ~/Library/Caches/CloudKit, ~/Library/Containers/*/Data/CloudKit; command line tool: cktool
146 FPR Fast Permission Restrictions; Apple CPU registers to downgrade (old APRRs do bitmasking) or remap (SPRRs since M1) actual permissions of memory pages (the CTRR region) per thread
147 FRC Flow Residual Correction? optical-flow video analysis; FRC.framework
148 FSKit user space file system support; kernel stub file system is /System/Library/Extensions/lifs.kext; file systems are in /System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/com.apple.fskit.*; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.fskitd, com.apple.filesystems.doubleagentd (handling of Apple double files in user space); extension point: com.apple.fskit.fsmodule
149 FUD Firmware Update Daemon; see TSS, UARP; launchd service: com.apple.accessoryupdaterd
150 Game Mode auto-activates when games are shown full screen, throttles background work, lowers audio and input latency; launchd service: com.apple.gamepolicyd
183 JARVIS Just A Rather Very Intelligent Scheduler, Mesos cluster manager for Siri, iCloud, AMS
184 Jellyfish Animoji; /Applications/Jellyfish.app
185 Jetsam reclaiming of purgeable memory and termination of apps during memory pressure
186 Journal diary app; JournalShared.framework
187 JSC JavaScript Core; JavaScriptCore.framework; command line tool: jsc
188 Kalamata codename for the transition from x86 to ARM-based Apple Silicon
189 Kerberos single-sign-on mechanism; Heimdal.framework; command line tools: kinit, ktutil
193 Keychain storage for credentials; launchd service: com.apple.securityd; command line tools: certtool, security, systemkeychain
194 KIP Kernel Integrity Protection, locking of physical memory pages to prevent changes to kernel
195 Launch Services management for application launches, association of UTIs to apps, uses Spotlight to update cached info; launchd services: com.apple.coreservices.launchservicesd, com.apple.lsd; CoreServices.framework/LaunchServices.framework; command line tools: lsappinfo, lsregister
196 Liquid Glass UI design language, includes icon treatment; IconRendering.framework, LightSourceSupport.framework
197 Live Files user mode filesystems, currently FAT, ExFAT, NTFS on external storage; UserFS.framework, UVFSXPCService.framework; launchd service: com.apple.filesystems.userfsd
198 Liverpool PCS codename for CloudKit
199 LKDC Local Key Distribution Center, Kerberos on client machines
201 Mac Buddy historic name for Setup Assistant
202 MAC Policy Mandatory Access Control subsystem in XNU, based on TrustedBSD, implements policy hooks for restricted kernel operations; current policies: AMFI, Seatbelt, Quarantine, CSR
203 Machine Learning Vision.framework, Espresso.framework, Futhark.framework, PhotoAnalysis.framework; used for Live Text and Visual Lookup; launchd service: com.apple.mediaanalysisd
204 Madrid iMessage; /System/Library/Messages iMessage; /System/Library/Messages; BubbleKit.framework (message bubble UI)
205 Manatee PCS key for some CloudKit containers are synced via CKKS, so data is unreadable to Apple (credential management codenames: Plesio, Stingray, Cuttlefish)
206 Mandrake emergency siren on Apple Watch Ultra; /Applications/Mandrake.app
207 Mangrove transfering UI tiles over XPC; Mangrove.framework, IOSurface.framework
222 Mobile Assets demand-downloaded system components like fonts, dictionaries, linguistic data; stored in /System/Library/Assets; launchd services: com.apple.languageassetd (language-dependent assets), com.apple.mobileassetd; server: mesu.apple.com
223 Mobile Device connectivity to iOS devices over USB or WiFi (AirTrafficHost) for syning, development, and debugging; MobileDevice.framework; launchd service: com.apple.usbmuxd; Bonjour service: _apple-mobdev2._tcp
224 MOC Managed Object Context; Core Data object space
225 Mondrian photo collage arrangement in Photos.app; Mondrian.framework photo collage arrangement in Photos.app; Mondrian.framework, GridZero.framework
226 MRT Malware Removal Tool; /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app; superseded by XProtect
227 Multipeer Connectivity ad-hoc networking; Bonjour for discovery; WiFi, AWDL, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as transport; optional encryption and certificate-based authentication; MultipeerConnectivity.framework
228 Nano prefix for watchOS
231 New Device Outreach high-level Bluetooth device pairing flow; NewDeviceOutreach.framework, NDOAPI.framework, NDOUI.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent
232 Newton fall detection on watchOS
233 NLP Natural Language Processing; NLP.framework; related to mecabra libraries, a linguistic engine for Chinese and Japanese; /usr/share/mecabra, /usr/share/tokenizer
234 NLU Natural Language Understanding; Greymatter Siri engine; SiriNLUTypes.framework, SiriNaturalLanguageParsing.framework
235 Notarization app security scan by Apple; cryptographic proof stapled to code signature, tested at launch by System Policy; for non-notarized apps sends code hash to Apple; command line tools: notarytool, altool, stapler
236 Noticeboard User Notifications for Software Update and App Store, Noticeboard.framework; launchd services: com.apple.noticeboard.state (nbstated), com.apple.noticeboard.agent (nbagent)
237 Notifications system notification bus, unrelated to the local/remote push notifications; launchd service: com.apple.notifyd, com.apple.kuncd (invoked by kernel through host special port 10); command line tool: notifyutil; complemented by framework-level notification system (CFNotification, NSNotification); launchd services: com.apple.distnoted.xpc.daemon, com.apple.distnoted.xpc.agent
249 Packages unit of software installation; command line tools: pkgutil, installer, softwareupdate; launchd services: com.apple.softwareupdated, com.apple.bootinstalld, com.apple.installd, com.apple.system_installd, com.apple.uninstalld; /var/db/softwareupdate, /Library/Apple/System/Library/Receipts (system), /System/Library/Receipts (read-only), /private/var/db/receipts (App Store)
250 Packet Filter network traffic filtering subsystem from OpenBSD; command line tool: pfctl
251 Parsec Spotlight web results and searching of crowdsourced Intent deep links; server: *.smoot.apple.com; launchd services: com.apple.parsecd, com.apple.parsec-fbf (Feedback Flush to Differential Privacy); telemetry collection with Poirot: PoirotSQLite.framework, PoirotUDFs.framework, SearchOnDeviceAnalytics.framework
252 Party Studio Karaoke mode on tvOS, where video from a paired phone is shown with effects; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/PartyStudio.* Karaoke mode on tvOS, where video from a paired phone is shown with effects; PartyStudio.framework; /Applications/Sing.app
253 Passkey keypair used for authentication instead of password, synced via SOS, implements WebAuthn standard; keys can be used to login on separate device via QR code and Bluetooth proximity proof; AuthenticationServices.framework
254 Password Breach monitoring of Keychain passwords against a breach database; round-robin matching in fixed-size batches, local match against common leaks, remote match using hash prefix; launchd service: com.apple.Safari.passwordbreachd
255 Pasteboard storage for cut, copy, and paste; type of content remembered as UTI; launchd service: com.apple.pboard; command line tools: pbcopy, pbpaste
258 PCS Protected Cloud Storage; key management for separate iCloud storage compartments (PCS calls them views), each can contain FoundationDB plus bulk data stored by MMCS; see also iCDP, CKKS, GroupKit, Manatee; ProtectedCloudStorage.framework; /System/Library/Preferences/ProtectedCloudStorage; command line tool: pcsstatus
259 PCSC Personal Computer Smart Card; PCSC.framework, uses CTK
260 PDE Print Dialog Extension; old name, not a proper Extension
261 Peak Power managing battery power draw; launchd service: com.apple.peakpowermanagerd; /System/Library/PPM/BatteryModels
262 PEC/PIR Private Encrypted Compute and Private Information Retrieval; used for parental controls for media and web; CipherML.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ciphermld
263 Pegasus meaning 1: picture-in-picture video playback; Pegasus.framework (iOS), PIP.framework (macOS); meaning 2: online search query engine for visual lookup; PegasusKit.framework
264 People contacts with Apple Accounts within Group Activities and Shared With You
Pepper UI elements for Watch home screen and Chat, like Quickboard (canned replies), Animoji; PepperUICore.framework
265 Persona separation of sub-user-identities, like when using a private and managed Apple account; PersonaKit.framework; ~/Library/Personas; /System/Library/UserManagement; command line tool: umtool
266 PHASE Physical Audio Spatialization Engine; 3D sound rendering engine; Apple devices map audio sources (even mono and stereo) to virtual speakers in a 3D sound stage, which is simulated by the physical speakers via a head-related transfer function; PHASE.framework
267 Piano Mover Mail Drop; bulk mail attachments transfered over PCS; not to be confused with storage for iMessage attachments, which uses a CloudKit container
293 RTKit real-time runtime used for firmware of Apple Silicon co-processors; on top of CL4 in Apple’s cellular modem
294 RunningBoard runtime management of apps, paradigm: app as service process invoked by system, check-in by frameworks, handles process assertions (frontmost app, see App Nap), memory pressure (see Jetsam) and compute resources (GPU), replacement for TAL?; launchd service: com.apple.runningboardd; /System/Library/LifecyclePolicy, /System/Library/RunningBoard
295 Safety Monitor Check In; short-term location sharing in iMessage until a destination is reached; /Applications/SafetyMonitorApp.app
296 Salt & Pepper UI elements for Watch; SaltUICore.framework, PepperUICore.framework
297 SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles
298 SCIP System Coprocessor Integrity Protection; like KIP, but for SEP, ISP, Motion coprocessor
299 Screen Reader VoiceOver and Braille; /System/Library/ScreenReader; ScreenReader.framework
326 Sock Puppet Watch interaction that requires Companion iPhone
327 SOS Secure Object Sync; syncing backend for iCloud Keychain, not to be confused with the emergency call feature; transferred items previously staged in Synced Defaults, for two-factor accounts in CKKS; launchd services: com.apple.secd (access to local keychain), com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3 (connects to Synced Defaults), com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification
328 SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks
329 Splat Update Rapid Security Response, updates to Cryptex components without system restart
330 SpringBoard iOS home screen; like Dock (Launchpad, Mission Control, desktop picture), Control Center, SystemUIServer (menu extras icons), loginwindow (lock screen), and WindowServer (compositor) on macOS; /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app, /Applications/PreBoard.app, BaseBoard.framework, FrontBoard.framework, SplashBoard.framework; launchd service: com.apple.backboardd (compositor)
331 SPRR Shadow Permission Remap Register? feature of Apple Silicon to dynamically reintepret page permissions
332 SPTM Secure Page Table Monitor; code in kernel-level GXF protects page table modifications; Trusted Execution Monitor (TXM) in user-level GXF implements policy and parts of AMFI
334 SSO Single Sign-On
335 SSV Signed System Volume, als called Authenticated Root Volume (ARV); macOS boots from blessed read-only APFS snapshot, merkle-tree and root-hash stored in Preboot volume; modifications require disabling root authentication with csrutil from recovery, then the live filesystem can be mounted, modified, and re-blessed; command line tools: apfs_systemsnapshot, bless, csrutil
336 Stark CarPlay; iPhone provides video feeds for in-car displays; three layers composited by the car: remote UI (from iPhone), punch-through UI (back up camera), local UI (dashboard gauges: assets from iPhone, rendered by car, like Live Activities?), overlay UI (essential indicators); associate apps on iOS: /Applications/CarCamera.app, /Applications/Charge.app, /Applications/Climate.app, /Applications/Closures.app, /Applications/Media.app, /Applications/TirePressure.app, /Applications/Trip.app, /Applications/Vehicle.app
337 Stockholm Secure Element in Apple SoCs, a processor running crypto protocols on keys it protects; used for Apple Pay and Car Key; related codenames: Icefall, Warsaw Secure Element in Apple SoCs, a processor running crypto protocols on keys it protects; used for Apple Pay and Car Key; related codenames: Icefall, Warsaw; SEService.framework
338 Storage Management freeing up disk space by managing bulky items; UI in System Information.app; StorageManagement.framework; launchd service: com.apple.diskspaced; extension point: com.apple.storagemanagement; extends Cache Delete service
339 Suggestions semantic analysis of mails and websites to suggest contacts, calendar events and the like; launchd services: com.apple.suggestd, com.apple.reversetemplated; custom JavaScript parsers in /System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_CoreSuggestions
340 Symbols debug symbols for backtraces; CoreSymbolication.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coresymbolicationd; command line tools: atos, symbols, symbolscache
347 TAL Transparent App Lifecycle; process for macOS apps started and stopped independently of the user launching and quitting app; also handles session restore across reboots; ~/Library/Saved Application State; launchd service: com.apple.talagent
348 Taskport Mach kernel concept for ptrace-like access to task internals; access policy implemented by daemon; launchd service: com.apple.taskgated (invoked by kernel through task special port 9); command line tool: DevToolsSecurity
349 TCC Transparency, Consent, and Control; user control over app access to privacy-related services (kTCCService*); TCC.framework; launchd services: com.apple.tccd, com.apple.tccd.system; command line tool: tccutil; stored in /Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC, /var/db/locationd (for kTCCServiceLocation)
350 Tea component of Apple’s News, Stocks, and Weather apps, maybe interest personalization? TeaFoundation.framework, TeaDB.framework, TeaUI.framework
351 Template App code-less app-bundle, passed to an actual executable by LauncServices; created when adding websites in Safari to Dock/Springboard; run by /System/Volumes/Preboot/Cryptexes/App/System/Library/CoreServices/Web App.app
352 Time Machine automatic backup service, command line tools: tmdiagnose, tmutil
353 Tin Can Walkie Talkie on watchOS; /Applications/TinCan.app