internals: update for macOS 15.4 Sequoia

This commit is contained in:
Michael Roitzsch
2025-04-06 15:55:58 +02:00
parent 9ee8532129
commit bcfee3495c

View File

@@ -79,6 +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
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)
@@ -134,14 +135,14 @@ Family Circle Family Sharing; launchd services: com.apple.familycircled, com.app
FDE Full Disk Encryption, FileVault; command line tool: fdesetup, sysadminctl FDE Full Disk Encryption, FileVault; command line tool: fdesetup, sysadminctl
FDR Factory Data/Device Reset? ensures that no downgrades are performed? servers: skl.apple.com, gg.apple.com; /System/Library/FDR FDR Factory Data/Device Reset? ensures that no downgrades are performed? servers: skl.apple.com, gg.apple.com; /System/Library/FDR
Feldspar Apple News; Silex.framework Feldspar Apple News; Silex.framework
FiDES Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework, FedStats.framework (private federated learning?); server: fides-pol.apple.com FiDES Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework, FedStats.framework (private federated learning?)
File Provider infrastructure and extension system for syncing with cloud providers; placeholder files based on SF_DATALESS attribute in APFS; FileProvider.framework; locally stored in ~/Library/CloudStorage; command line tool: fileproviderctl File Provider infrastructure and extension system for syncing with cloud providers; placeholder files based on SF_DATALESS attribute in APFS; FileProvider.framework; locally stored in ~/Library/CloudStorage; command line tool: fileproviderctl
Find My location sharing by explicitly querying devices remotely or collateral beacon detection using Search Party; FMCore.framework, FMF.framework; launchd service: com.apple.icloud.fmfd (find my friends) Find My location sharing by explicitly querying devices remotely or collateral beacon detection using Search Party; FMCore.framework, FMF.framework; launchd service: com.apple.icloud.fmfd (find my friends)
Firmlink bi-directional non-symbolic link between the read-only system volume and the data volume, additional symlinks and mountpoints in the root directory are virtually allocated; /usr/share/firmlinks, /etc/synthetic.conf Firmlink bi-directional non-symbolic link between the read-only system volume and the data volume, additional symlinks and mountpoints in the root directory are virtually allocated; /usr/share/firmlinks, /etc/synthetic.conf
Focus restriction modes for notification presentation; focus filters for in-app display restrictions, communicated by Intents; Focus.framework, DoNotDisturb.framework; local settings in ~/Library/DoNotDisturb Focus restriction modes for notification presentation; focus filters for in-app display restrictions, communicated by Intents; Focus.framework, DoNotDisturb.framework; local settings in ~/Library/DoNotDisturb
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; used for JIT protection and by AMFI to freeze user code after checking 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
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
@@ -149,7 +150,7 @@ GID group ID key, shared across all devices of the same SoC generation, derived
Gizmo Apple Watch; watch settings managed by Companion iPhone; /Applications/Bridge.app, /System/Library/BridgeManifests Gizmo Apple Watch; watch settings managed by Companion iPhone; /Applications/Bridge.app, /System/Library/BridgeManifests
Greymatter Apple Intelligence; on-device language and diffusion models, larger server-based models in PCC; AFM refined for specific tasks (queries, summarization, categorization) by adapters (parameter for inserted network modules); grounded with context from Biome and intelligence stores; ~/Library/IntelligencePlatform; launchd service: com.apple.modelmanagerd (model residency management); /System/Library/ModelManager/Policy.plist; /Applications/Tamale.app (Camera Control integration); command line tool: csfdiagnose (cloud subscription features), modelmanagerdump Greymatter Apple Intelligence; on-device language and diffusion models, larger server-based models in PCC; AFM refined for specific tasks (queries, summarization, categorization) by adapters (parameter for inserted network modules); grounded with context from Biome and intelligence stores; ~/Library/IntelligencePlatform; launchd service: com.apple.modelmanagerd (model residency management); /System/Library/ModelManager/Policy.plist; /Applications/Tamale.app (Camera Control integration); command line tool: csfdiagnose (cloud subscription features), modelmanagerdump
Group Activities SharePlay; sharing of media content and programmatic state over FaceTime calls; GroupActivities.framework, CopresenceCore.framework; launchd service: com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd Group Activities SharePlay; sharing of media content and programmatic state over FaceTime calls; GroupActivities.framework, CopresenceCore.framework; launchd service: com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd
GroupKit groups of IDS users with shared CloudKit (PCS) access; GroupKit.framework GroupKit groups of IDS users with shared CloudKit (PCS) access; GroupKitCrypto.framework
GSS Generic Security Service; part of Kerberos; GSS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.gssd (invoked by kernel through host special port 19); command line tool: gsstool GSS Generic Security Service; part of Kerberos; GSS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.gssd (invoked by kernel through host special port 19); command line tool: gsstool
GXF Guarded Execution Feature/Fault, additional exception levels on Apple Silicon, lateral to the usual exception levels; page tables remain the same, but interpretation of permission bits changes by way of FPR, genter and gexit instructions; implements lightweight intra-address-space protection contexts GXF Guarded Execution Feature/Fault, additional exception levels on Apple Silicon, lateral to the usual exception levels; page tables remain the same, but interpretation of permission bits changes by way of FPR, genter and gexit instructions; implements lightweight intra-address-space protection contexts
HAP Home Automation Protocol; CoreHAP.framework HAP Home Automation Protocol; CoreHAP.framework
@@ -284,7 +285,7 @@ Replicator notification sync from Companion iPhone, also drives remotely display
Revisions document autosave and auto-versioning; stored in .DocumentRevisions-V100; GenerationalStorage.framework; launchd service: com.apple.revisiond Revisions document autosave and auto-versioning; stored in .DocumentRevisions-V100; GenerationalStorage.framework; launchd service: com.apple.revisiond
Routine frequently visited locations on iOS, interacts with Duet; launchd service: com.apple.routined Routine frequently visited locations on iOS, interacts with Duet; launchd service: com.apple.routined
RTC Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rtcreportingd RTC Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rtcreportingd
RTKit operating system used on Apple Silicon for firmware of co-processors 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
SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles
@@ -295,7 +296,7 @@ SDB SQL Database; CoreSDB.framework, used by iCloud communication
Search Party portion of Find My service for offline devices; devices emit public part of rotating key pair via Bluetooth LE, other devices encrypt current location with this key and send to Apple, private key shared over CloudKit Search Party portion of Find My service for offline devices; devices emit public part of rotating key pair via Bluetooth LE, other devices encrypt current location with this key and send to Apple, private key shared over CloudKit
Seatbelt process sandbox by filtering system calls; profiles written in SBPL; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles, /usr/share/sandbox; default file access policy asks for TCC confirmation before access to folders with user data (like Documents) is allowed; command line tool: sandbox-exec; launchd service: com.apple.sandboxd (invoked by kernel through host special port 14 for logging) Seatbelt process sandbox by filtering system calls; profiles written in SBPL; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles, /usr/share/sandbox; default file access policy asks for TCC confirmation before access to folders with user data (like Documents) is allowed; command line tool: sandbox-exec; launchd service: com.apple.sandboxd (invoked by kernel through host special port 14 for logging)
Secure Backup escrow part of CKKS; escrow key individually wrapped with passcodes of trusted devices, stored in HSM to prevent brute forcing, uses SRP so passcodes are not visible to iCloud, limited number of recovery attempts; protocol called Lakitu, uses FollowUp; launchd service: com.apple.SecureBackupDaemon (com.apple.sbd); CloudServices.framework Secure Backup escrow part of CKKS; escrow key individually wrapped with passcodes of trusted devices, stored in HSM to prevent brute forcing, uses SRP so passcodes are not visible to iCloud, limited number of recovery attempts; protocol called Lakitu, uses FollowUp; launchd service: com.apple.SecureBackupDaemon (com.apple.sbd); CloudServices.framework
SEP Secure Enclave Processor; dedicated ARM core for security services, runs L4/Darbat-based sepOS, inline encryption to DRAM, manages AES keys in storage DMA engine, factory-paired channels to Touch ID/Face ID hardware, Secure Element, Neural Engine; SEP can use but not read UID and GID keys; credential verification performed by hardware lockbox with retry count enforcement SEP Secure Enclave Processor; dedicated ARM core for security services, runs CL4-based sepOS, inline encryption to DRAM, manages AES keys in storage DMA engine, factory-paired channels to Touch ID/Face ID hardware, Secure Element, Neural Engine; SEP can use but not read UID and GID keys; credential verification performed by hardware lockbox with retry count enforcement
Sequoia translation; downloadable language models can run on-device; /Applications/SequoiaTranslator.app, Translation.framework Sequoia translation; downloadable language models can run on-device; /Applications/SequoiaTranslator.app, Translation.framework
Seymour Apple Fitness+; workout videos integrated with Watch sensors; SeymourCore.framework, Blackbeard.framework (personalisation and workout programs) Seymour Apple Fitness+; workout videos integrated with Watch sensors; SeymourCore.framework, Blackbeard.framework (personalisation and workout programs)
SF Symbols scalable UI symbols; rendered with various color treatments; SFSymbols.framework SF Symbols scalable UI symbols; rendered with various color treatments; SFSymbols.framework
@@ -321,11 +322,11 @@ SOS Secure Object Sync; syncing backend for iCloud Keychain, not to be confused
SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks
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 with higher-than-kernel privileges (Trustzone Monitor?) protects page table modifications; deprivileged Trusted Execution Monitor (TXM) implements policy; successor to FPR/SPRR? 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
SRP Secure Remote Password; standard cryptographic protocol for proving knowledge of a secret such that attackers cannot brute-force the secret; AppleSRP.framework SRP Secure Remote Password; standard cryptographic protocol for proving knowledge of a secret such that attackers cannot brute-force the secret; AppleSRP.framework
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/AutoSettings.app, /Applications/CarCamera.app, /Applications/Charge.app, /Applications/Climate.app, /Applications/Closures.app, /Applications/Media.app, /Applications/TirePressure.app, /Applications/Trip.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
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
@@ -363,6 +364,7 @@ Viceroy video conferencing used by FaceTime and ReplayKit; ViceroyTrace.framewor
Virtualisation running virtual machines on macOS; Hypervisor.framework (for basic VMs and vCPUs), Virtualization.framework (brings a robust set of device models) Virtualisation running virtual machines on macOS; Hypervisor.framework (for basic VMs and vCPUs), Virtualization.framework (brings a robust set of device models)
VSDB volume status database; /var/db/volinfo.database; command line tool: vsdbutil VSDB volume status database; /var/db/volinfo.database; command line tool: vsdbutil
Waldo selects edge servers based on approximate location, part of Private Relay, seen in NSP Waldo selects edge servers based on approximate location, part of Private Relay, seen in NSP
Wally private search in server-side database using homomorphic encryption; private information retrieval (PIR), private nearest neighbor search (PNNS); used for Caller ID, email logos, adult website filtering, points-of-interest lookup for photos
WFS WebDAV File Sharing; built-in file sharing with Apache; /etc/wfs; command line tool: wfsctl WFS WebDAV File Sharing; built-in file sharing with Apache; /etc/wfs; command line tool: wfsctl
Widgets content excerpt from apps; provided via a timeline of view hierarchies, configuration uses Intents; visible on home screen, lock screen, as live activities, as watch complications; WidgetKit.framework, ChronoServices.framework; extension point: com.apple.widgetkit-extension; launchd service: com.apple.chronod (timeline management and sync) Widgets content excerpt from apps; provided via a timeline of view hierarchies, configuration uses Intents; visible on home screen, lock screen, as live activities, as watch complications; WidgetKit.framework, ChronoServices.framework; extension point: com.apple.widgetkit-extension; launchd service: com.apple.chronod (timeline management and sync)
Willow HomeKit; end-to-end-encrypted communication protocol and API for IoT-accessories; pairing with SRP using code printed on device, credential sync by CKKS, transported over Alloy, remote access using Apple TV as proxy; launchd service: com.apple.homed Willow HomeKit; end-to-end-encrypted communication protocol and API for IoT-accessories; pairing with SRP using code printed on device, credential sync by CKKS, transported over Alloy, remote access using Apple TV as proxy; launchd service: com.apple.homed
1 Term Description
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
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)
135 FDE Full Disk Encryption, FileVault; command line tool: fdesetup, sysadminctl
136 FDR Factory Data/Device Reset? ensures that no downgrades are performed? servers: skl.apple.com, gg.apple.com; /System/Library/FDR
137 Feldspar Apple News; Silex.framework
138 FiDES Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework, FedStats.framework (private federated learning?); server: fides-pol.apple.com Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework, FedStats.framework (private federated learning?)
139 File Provider infrastructure and extension system for syncing with cloud providers; placeholder files based on SF_DATALESS attribute in APFS; FileProvider.framework; locally stored in ~/Library/CloudStorage; command line tool: fileproviderctl
140 Find My location sharing by explicitly querying devices remotely or collateral beacon detection using Search Party; FMCore.framework, FMF.framework; launchd service: com.apple.icloud.fmfd (find my friends)
141 Firmlink bi-directional non-symbolic link between the read-only system volume and the data volume, additional symlinks and mountpoints in the root directory are virtually allocated; /usr/share/firmlinks, /etc/synthetic.conf
142 Focus restriction modes for notification presentation; focus filters for in-app display restrictions, communicated by Intents; Focus.framework, DoNotDisturb.framework; local settings in ~/Library/DoNotDisturb
143 FollowUp user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd
144 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
145 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; used for JIT protection and by AMFI to freeze user code after checking 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
146 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
147 FUD Firmware Update Daemon; see TSS, UARP; launchd service: com.apple.accessoryupdaterd
148 Game Mode auto-activates when games are shown full screen, throttles background work, lowers audio and input latency; launchd service: com.apple.gamepolicyd
150 Gizmo Apple Watch; watch settings managed by Companion iPhone; /Applications/Bridge.app, /System/Library/BridgeManifests
151 Greymatter Apple Intelligence; on-device language and diffusion models, larger server-based models in PCC; AFM refined for specific tasks (queries, summarization, categorization) by adapters (parameter for inserted network modules); grounded with context from Biome and intelligence stores; ~/Library/IntelligencePlatform; launchd service: com.apple.modelmanagerd (model residency management); /System/Library/ModelManager/Policy.plist; /Applications/Tamale.app (Camera Control integration); command line tool: csfdiagnose (cloud subscription features), modelmanagerdump
152 Group Activities SharePlay; sharing of media content and programmatic state over FaceTime calls; GroupActivities.framework, CopresenceCore.framework; launchd service: com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd
153 GroupKit groups of IDS users with shared CloudKit (PCS) access; GroupKit.framework groups of IDS users with shared CloudKit (PCS) access; GroupKitCrypto.framework
154 GSS Generic Security Service; part of Kerberos; GSS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.gssd (invoked by kernel through host special port 19); command line tool: gsstool
155 GXF Guarded Execution Feature/Fault, additional exception levels on Apple Silicon, lateral to the usual exception levels; page tables remain the same, but interpretation of permission bits changes by way of FPR, genter and gexit instructions; implements lightweight intra-address-space protection contexts
156 HAP Home Automation Protocol; CoreHAP.framework
285 Revisions document autosave and auto-versioning; stored in .DocumentRevisions-V100; GenerationalStorage.framework; launchd service: com.apple.revisiond
286 Routine frequently visited locations on iOS, interacts with Duet; launchd service: com.apple.routined
287 RTC Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rtcreportingd
288 RTKit operating system used on Apple Silicon for firmware of co-processors real-time runtime used for firmware of Apple Silicon co-processors; on top of CL4 in Apple’s cellular modem
289 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
290 Safety Monitor Check In; short-term location sharing in iMessage until a destination is reached; /Applications/SafetyMonitorApp.app
291 SBPL Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles
296 Search Party portion of Find My service for offline devices; devices emit public part of rotating key pair via Bluetooth LE, other devices encrypt current location with this key and send to Apple, private key shared over CloudKit
297 Seatbelt process sandbox by filtering system calls; profiles written in SBPL; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles, /usr/share/sandbox; default file access policy asks for TCC confirmation before access to folders with user data (like Documents) is allowed; command line tool: sandbox-exec; launchd service: com.apple.sandboxd (invoked by kernel through host special port 14 for logging)
298 Secure Backup escrow part of CKKS; escrow key individually wrapped with passcodes of trusted devices, stored in HSM to prevent brute forcing, uses SRP so passcodes are not visible to iCloud, limited number of recovery attempts; protocol called Lakitu, uses FollowUp; launchd service: com.apple.SecureBackupDaemon (com.apple.sbd); CloudServices.framework
299 SEP Secure Enclave Processor; dedicated ARM core for security services, runs L4/Darbat-based sepOS, inline encryption to DRAM, manages AES keys in storage DMA engine, factory-paired channels to Touch ID/Face ID hardware, Secure Element, Neural Engine; SEP can use but not read UID and GID keys; credential verification performed by hardware lockbox with retry count enforcement Secure Enclave Processor; dedicated ARM core for security services, runs CL4-based sepOS, inline encryption to DRAM, manages AES keys in storage DMA engine, factory-paired channels to Touch ID/Face ID hardware, Secure Element, Neural Engine; SEP can use but not read UID and GID keys; credential verification performed by hardware lockbox with retry count enforcement
300 Sequoia translation; downloadable language models can run on-device; /Applications/SequoiaTranslator.app, Translation.framework
301 Seymour Apple Fitness+; workout videos integrated with Watch sensors; SeymourCore.framework, Blackbeard.framework (personalisation and workout programs)
302 SF Symbols scalable UI symbols; rendered with various color treatments; SFSymbols.framework
322 SPI System Private Interface; /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks
323 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)
324 SPRR Shadow Permission Remap Register? feature of Apple Silicon to dynamically reintepret page permissions
325 SPTM Secure Page Table Monitor; code with higher-than-kernel privileges (Trustzone Monitor?) protects page table modifications; deprivileged Trusted Execution Monitor (TXM) implements policy; successor to FPR/SPRR? 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
326 SRP Secure Remote Password; standard cryptographic protocol for proving knowledge of a secret such that attackers cannot brute-force the secret; AppleSRP.framework
327 SSO Single Sign-On
328 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
329 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/AutoSettings.app, /Applications/CarCamera.app, /Applications/Charge.app, /Applications/Climate.app, /Applications/Closures.app, /Applications/Media.app, /Applications/TirePressure.app, /Applications/Trip.app 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
330 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
331 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
332 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
364 Virtualisation running virtual machines on macOS; Hypervisor.framework (for basic VMs and vCPUs), Virtualization.framework (brings a robust set of device models)
365 VSDB volume status database; /var/db/volinfo.database; command line tool: vsdbutil
366 Waldo selects edge servers based on approximate location, part of Private Relay, seen in NSP
367 Wally private search in server-side database using homomorphic encryption; private information retrieval (PIR), private nearest neighbor search (PNNS); used for Caller ID, email logos, adult website filtering, points-of-interest lookup for photos
368 WFS WebDAV File Sharing; built-in file sharing with Apache; /etc/wfs; command line tool: wfsctl
369 Widgets content excerpt from apps; provided via a timeline of view hierarchies, configuration uses Intents; visible on home screen, lock screen, as live activities, as watch complications; WidgetKit.framework, ChronoServices.framework; extension point: com.apple.widgetkit-extension; launchd service: com.apple.chronod (timeline management and sync)
370 Willow HomeKit; end-to-end-encrypted communication protocol and API for IoT-accessories; pairing with SRP using code printed on device, credential sync by CKKS, transported over Alloy, remote access using Apple TV as proxy; launchd service: com.apple.homed