| 1 |
1TR |
Term |
One True Recovery; booting into macOS recovery on Apple Silicon by holding the power button to verify physical presence; enables interaction with SEP to change Boot Policy |
Description |
| 1 |
|
Term |
|
Description |
| 2 |
1TR |
1TR |
One True Recovery; booting into macOS recovery on Apple Silicon by holding the power button to verify physical presence; enables interaction with SEP to change Boot Policy |
One True Recovery; booting into macOS recovery on Apple Silicon by holding the power button to verify physical presence; enables interaction with SEP to change Boot Policy |
| 3 |
AA |
AA |
Apple account |
Apple account |
| 4 |
AAC |
AAC |
Automatic Assessment Configuration; AutomaticAssessmentConfiguration.framework; puts device in a locked mode for exam-style test applications |
Automatic Assessment Configuration; AutomaticAssessmentConfiguration.framework; puts device in a locked mode for exam-style test applications |
| 7 |
ACDE |
ACDE |
Apple Connect Device External? ACDEClient.framework, old two-step verification, derived from a company-internal AppleConnect system? server: appleconnect.apple.com |
Apple Connect Device External? ACDEClient.framework, old two-step verification, derived from a company-internal AppleConnect system? server: appleconnect.apple.com |
| 8 |
ACFS |
ACFS |
Apple Clustered File System; deprecated file system for Xsan; acfs.framework |
Apple Clustered File System; deprecated file system for Xsan; acfs.framework |
| 9 |
Acoustic ID |
Acoustic ID |
Siri feature to recognize songs |
Siri feature to recognize songs |
|
Action |
|
extension type for quick interaction with foreign content within a host app; extension points: com.apple.services, com.apple.ui-services |
|
| 10 |
Activation |
Activation |
cryptographic check-in with iCloud to lock devices reported by the user as lost; verified by iBoot; MobileActivationMacOS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.mobileactivationd; servers: humb.apple.com, albert.apple.com |
cryptographic check-in with iCloud to lock devices reported by the user as lost; verified by iBoot; MobileActivationMacOS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.mobileactivationd; servers: humb.apple.com, albert.apple.com |
| 11 |
Activity |
Activity |
jobs, coarse-grained work units of applications; tracked by the system across XPC, bears a QoS class for scheduling; low-level mechanism not to be confused with User Activity |
jobs, coarse-grained work units of applications; tracked by the system across XPC, bears a QoS class for scheduling; low-level mechanism not to be confused with User Activity |
| 12 |
AE |
AE |
Apple Events; messaging system to invoke application functionality; CoreServices.framework/AE.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coreservices.appleevents, com.apple.AEServer (AE over network) |
Apple Events; messaging system to invoke application functionality; CoreServices.framework/AE.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coreservices.appleevents, com.apple.AEServer (AE over network) |
| 13 |
|
AEA |
|
Apple Encrypted Archive; command line tool: aea |
| 14 |
AGC |
AGC |
Apple Graphics Control, management of multiple displays and display port connections; launchd service: com.apple.displaypolicyd |
Apple Graphics Control, management of multiple displays and display port connections; launchd service: com.apple.displaypolicyd |
| 15 |
AIR |
AIR |
Apple Intermediate Representation; synthetic bytecode architecture target for GPU binary toolchain |
Apple Intermediate Representation; synthetic bytecode architecture target for GPU binary toolchain |
| 16 |
ALF |
ALF |
Application-Level Firewall, launchd service: com.apple.alf (socketfilterfw) |
Application-Level Firewall, launchd service: com.apple.alf (socketfilterfw) |
| 22 |
AMP |
AMP |
Asynchronous Multiprocessing; performance and power-efficiency cores on Apple Silicon |
Asynchronous Multiprocessing; performance and power-efficiency cores on Apple Silicon |
| 23 |
AMS |
AMS |
Apple Media Services; formerly the iTunes stores and media services: App Stores, Apple Music, Apple TV, iCloud media library, Apple Podcasts, Podcast sync, Books Store, Books sync; AppleMediaServices.framework; server: phobos.apple.com |
Apple Media Services; formerly the iTunes stores and media services: App Stores, Apple Music, Apple TV, iCloud media library, Apple Podcasts, Podcast sync, Books Store, Books sync; AppleMediaServices.framework; server: phobos.apple.com |
| 24 |
AMX |
AMX |
Apple Matrix Extension; ARM instruction set extension for matrix operations |
Apple Matrix Extension; ARM instruction set extension for matrix operations |
| 25 |
|
ANE |
|
Apple Neural Engine, hardware accelerator for neural network operations; ANECompiler.framework, ANEServices.framework; launchd service: com.apple.aned |
| 26 |
Anisette |
Anisette |
two-factor authentication creates security codes on trusted devices using TOTP, probably using Circle keys, checked by HSA; AuthKit.framework; launchd service: com.apple.akd |
two-factor authentication creates security codes on trusted devices using TOTP, probably using Circle keys, checked by HSA; AuthKit.framework; launchd service: com.apple.akd |
| 27 |
|
AOP |
|
Always On Processor, part of Apple SoCs, runs RTKit as operating system |
| 28 |
AOS |
AOS |
Apple Online Services? historical name for iCloud |
Apple Online Services? historical name for iCloud |
| 29 |
Apache |
Apache |
built-in web server; command line tool: apachectl |
built-in web server; command line tool: apachectl |
| 30 |
APFS |
APFS |
Apple File System; copy-on-write file system with support for volume space-sharing, per-file encryption, and snapshots |
Apple File System; copy-on-write file system with support for volume space-sharing, per-file encryption, and snapshots |
| 32 |
App Nap |
App Nap |
quiescence detection for applications and corresponding self-demotion in scheduler parameters, implemented within application frameworks and RunningBoard, listens for occlusion notifications from WindowServer |
quiescence detection for applications and corresponding self-demotion in scheduler parameters, implemented within application frameworks and RunningBoard, listens for occlusion notifications from WindowServer |
| 33 |
App Sandbox |
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 |
Seatbelt-based sandbox for apps; /System/Library/Sandbox/Profiles/application.sb; enabled with com.apple.security.app-sandbox entitlement; launchd service: com.apple.secinitd |
| 34 |
AppleCare |
AppleCare |
extended warranty; NewDeviceOutreach.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent |
extended warranty; NewDeviceOutreach.framework; launchd service: com.apple.ndoagent |
| 35 |
APT |
APT |
Adaptive Picture Timing? ProMotion; dynamic screen updates with 120Hz base frequency |
Adaptive Picture Timing? ProMotion; dynamic screen updates with 120Hz base frequency; AppleDisplayTCONControl.framework |
| 36 |
ASL |
ASL |
Apple System Logger, superseded by Unified Logging; /etc/asl; stored in /var/log/asl; launchd service: com.apple.syslogd; command line tool: syslog |
Apple System Logger, superseded by Unified Logging; /etc/asl; stored in /var/log/asl; launchd service: com.apple.syslogd; command line tool: syslog |
| 37 |
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 |
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 |
| 38 |
Assertions |
Assertions |
power state management allowing applications to prevent sleeping; launchd service: com.apple.powerd; command line tools: caffeinate, pmset |
power state management allowing applications to prevent sleeping; launchd service: com.apple.powerd; command line tools: caffeinate, pmset |
| 42 |
ATS |
ATS |
App Transport Security, sandbox mechanism only allowing TLS-secured connections |
App Transport Security, sandbox mechanism only allowing TLS-secured connections |
| 43 |
ATSUI |
ATSUI |
Apple Type Services for Unicode Imaging; rendering engine superseded by CoreText.framework, font management; ApplicationServices.framework/ATS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.xtyped (fontd); command line tools: atsutil |
Apple Type Services for Unicode Imaging; rendering engine superseded by CoreText.framework, font management; ApplicationServices.framework/ATS.framework; launchd service: com.apple.xtyped (fontd); command line tools: atsutil |
| 44 |
ATT |
ATT |
App Tracking Transparency; apps declare user tracking on app store |
App Tracking Transparency; apps declare user tracking on app store |
| 45 |
Attestation |
Attestation |
cryptographic proof of connection to genuine remote SEP; used for web authentication; online service signs a GID-based challenge response? used to pair RemoteXPC channel? stripped down variant used to securely identify Touch ID keyboards |
cryptographic proof of a genuine SEP; used for web authentication and app attestation; DeviceCheck.framework; online service signs a GID-based challenge response? used to pair RemoteXPC channel? stripped down variant used to securely identify Touch ID keyboards |
| 46 |
Authorization |
Authorization |
discretionary access control policies for high-level services; similar to PAM; policy stored in /var/db/auth.db |
discretionary access control policies for high-level services; similar to PAM; policy stored in /var/db/auth.db |
| 47 |
Avatar |
Avatar |
Memoji; AvatarKit.framework |
Memoji and Animoji (face tracking); AvatarKit.framework |
| 48 |
AVB |
AVB |
Audio Video Bridging, low-latency audio over Ethernet; launchd service: com.apple.avbdeviced; command line tool: avbdiagnose, avbutil |
Audio Video Bridging, low-latency audio over Ethernet; launchd service: com.apple.avbdeviced; command line tool: avbdiagnose, avbutil |
| 49 |
AWD |
AWD |
Apple Wireless Diagnostics, sends system telemetry to Apple; CoreAnalytics.framework, WirelessDiagnostics.framework; launchd services: com.apple.awdd, com.apple.analyticsd |
Apple Wireless Diagnostics, sends system telemetry to Apple; CoreAnalytics.framework, WirelessDiagnostics.framework; launchd services: com.apple.awdd, com.apple.analyticsd |
| 50 |
AWDL |
AWDL |
Apple Wireless Direct Link; secondary WiFi interface that runs in parallel to an active WiFi access point connection, similar to WiFi Direct (p2p interface), uses a randomized MAC, used for peer-to-peer networking: AirDrop, AirPlay; DeviceToDeviceManager.framework |
Apple Wireless Direct Link; secondary WiFi interface that runs in parallel to an active WiFi access point connection, similar to WiFi Direct (p2p interface), uses a randomized MAC, used for peer-to-peer networking: AirDrop, AirPlay; DeviceToDeviceManager.framework |
|
Bento Box |
|
UI with aggregated Control Center widgets |
|
| 51 |
Bezel |
Bezel |
on-screen overlays for hardware volume buttons, screen brightness, Bluetooth HID, and others; /Library/Application Support/Apple/BezelServices, launchd services: com.apple.loginwindow, com.apple.OSDUIHelper |
on-screen overlays for hardware volume buttons, screen brightness, Bluetooth HID, and others; /Library/Application Support/Apple/BezelServices, launchd services: com.apple.loginwindow, com.apple.OSDUIHelper |
| 52 |
|
Biome |
|
CloudKit-based datastream and sync engine; BiomeStreams.framework, BiomeSync.framework; launchd services: com.apple.BiomeAgent, com.apple.biomesyncd |
| 53 |
Blast Door |
Blast Door |
sandboxed sanitization process for untrusted iMessage input; BlastDoor.framework |
sandboxed sanitization process for untrusted iMessage input; BlastDoor.framework |
| 54 |
BOM |
BOM |
Bill of Materials; format to store contents of installer Packages; command line tool: lsbom |
Bill of Materials; format to store contents of installer Packages; command line tool: lsbom |
| 55 |
Bonjour |
Bonjour |
mDNS; launchd service: com.apple.mDNSResponder.reloaded; command line tool: dns-sd |
mDNS; launchd service: com.apple.mDNSResponder.reloaded; command line tool: dns-sd |
| 57 |
Boot Policy |
Boot Policy |
decides by signature check which OSes can be booted, boot-time equivalent for System Policy; LocalPolicy stores user settings, configurable from 1TR, stored by SEP, enforced by iBoot; command line tools: bputil, kmutil (to enroll custom kernels) |
decides by signature check which OSes can be booted, boot-time equivalent for System Policy; LocalPolicy stores user settings, configurable from 1TR, stored by SEP, enforced by iBoot; command line tools: bputil, kmutil (to enroll custom kernels) |
| 58 |
BPR |
BPR |
Boot Progress Register; set-only flags to track boot mode (normal, DFU, recovery), part of Keybag class key derivation within SEP, so passcode-protected keys are inaccessible in DFU and recovery |
Boot Progress Register; set-only flags to track boot mode (normal, DFU, recovery), part of Keybag class key derivation within SEP, so passcode-protected keys are inaccessible in DFU and recovery |
| 59 |
Bridge |
Bridge |
T2 ARM CPU in Intel Macs to drive Touch Bar and Boot Policy; runs bridgeOS, a derivative of watchOS; boots the platform and the Intel CPU, communication from macOS uses RemoteXPC; launchd service: com.apple.multiversed; /System/Library/MultiversePlugins |
T2 ARM CPU in Intel Macs to drive Touch Bar and Boot Policy; runs bridgeOS, a derivative of watchOS; boots the platform and the Intel CPU, communication from macOS uses RemoteXPC; launchd service: com.apple.multiversed; /System/Library/MultiversePlugins |
| 60 |
|
Brook |
|
hand washing encouragement on watch; BrookServices.framework |
| 61 |
Bulletin Board |
Bulletin Board |
application push notification management, aggregates local and remote push notifications; BulletinBoard.framework |
application push notification management, aggregates local and remote push notifications; BulletinBoard.framework |
| 62 |
Cache Delete |
Cache Delete |
cleanup for various caches; /System/Library/CacheDelete; launchd service: com.apple.cache_delete (deleted) |
cleanup for various caches; /System/Library/CacheDelete; launchd service: com.apple.cache_delete (deleted) |
| 63 |
CAML |
CAML |
Core Animation Markup Language; XML file format for layers, shapes and animations |
Core Animation Markup Language; XML file format for layers, shapes and animations |
| 64 |
Carousel |
Carousel |
derivative of SpringBoard for Watch home screen, watch face, and notification center |
derivative of SpringBoard for Watch home screen, watch face, and notification center |
| 65 |
Celestial |
Celestial |
media streaming used by ReplayKit for game broadcasts; Celestial.framework |
media streaming used by ReplayKit for game broadcasts; Celestial.framework |
| 66 |
Certificates |
Certificates |
validity checked using OCSP stapling, locally installed CRLs, and transparency logs; /System/Library/Security/Certificates.bundle; /var/db/crls; launchd services: com.apple.trustd, com.apple.trustd.agent, com.apple.ocspd; command line tool: crlrefresh |
validity checked using CRLs, OCSP stapling, and transparency logs; /System/Library/Security/Certificates.bundle; launchd services: com.apple.trustd, com.apple.trustd.agent, com.apple.ocspd; command line tool: crlrefresh |
| 67 |
Circle |
Circle |
cryptographic primitive to exchange public keys of all trusted devices of one user, signed by all Circle peers; iCloud identity keypair as an additional Circle peer, triggers countersigning from all trusted devices, private key synced across all trusted devices, new devices can pull this key from Secure Backup to join the Circle; used by CKKS; KeychainCircle.framework; command line tools: tpctl, otctl (Octagon trust is newer?) |
cryptographic primitive to exchange public keys of all trusted devices of one user, signed by all Circle peers; iCloud identity keypair as an additional Circle peer, triggers countersigning from all trusted devices, private key synced across all trusted devices, new devices can pull this key from Secure Backup to join the Circle; used by CKKS; KeychainCircle.framework; command line tools: tpctl, otctl (Octagon trust is newer?) |
| 68 |
CKKS |
CKKS |
CloudKit Key Sync, end-to-end secure syncing for credentials, seeded by Circle, transferred items stored ephemerally using OTR protocol; currently includes ApplePay, AutoUnlock, CreditCards, DevicePairing, Engram, Health, Home, Manatee, SOS, WiFi and other keys; launchd service: com.apple.secd; command line tool: ckksctl |
CloudKit Key Sync, end-to-end secure syncing for credentials, seeded by Circle, transferred items stored ephemerally using OTR protocol; currently includes ApplePay, AutoUnlock, CreditCards, DevicePairing, Engram, Health, Home, Manatee, SOS, WiFi and other keys; launchd service: com.apple.secd; command line tool: ckksctl |
| 69 |
Classroom |
Classroom |
launchd service: com.apple.studentd |
launchd service: com.apple.studentd |
| 70 |
Cloud Pairing |
Cloud Pairing |
part of Alloy, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing over iCloud for Continuity; launchd service: com.apple.cloudpaird |
part of Alloy, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing over iCloud for Continuity; launchd service: com.apple.BTServer.cloudpairing (cloudpaird) |
| 71 |
CMAS |
CMAS |
Commerial Mobile Alert System, now known as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) |
Commerial Mobile Alert System, now known as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) |
| 72 |
Commpage |
Commpage |
user-mapped kernel data, like vdso/vsyscall on Linux; mapped at 0x7fffffe00000 |
user-mapped kernel data, like vdso/vsyscall on Linux; mapped at 0x7fffffe00000 |
| 73 |
Communications Filter |
Communications Filter |
recipient blocking for iMessage, FaceTime, Mail; launchd service: com.apple.cmfsyncagent |
recipient blocking for iMessage, FaceTime, Mail; launchd service: com.apple.cmfsyncagent |
| 74 |
Companion |
Companion |
iPhone that is paired with Watch; communication uses Alloy over IPsec over Bluetooth |
iPhone that is paired with Watch; communication uses Alloy over IPsec over Bluetooth |
| 75 |
Continuity |
Continuity |
umbrella term for Handoff, Sidecar, SMS relay, Universal Clipboard, Watch unlock, WiFi call relay and others; SMS relay works by proxying to iMessage, other services use Alloy |
umbrella term for Handoff, Sidecar, SMS relay, Universal Clipboard, Watch unlock, WiFi call relay and others; SMS relay works by proxying to iMessage, other services use Alloy |
| 76 |
|
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 |
| 77 |
CPML |
CPML |
CorePrediction Machine Learning; CPMLBestShim.framework |
CorePrediction Machine Learning; CPMLBestShim.framework |
| 78 |
CRD |
CRD |
Conference Room Display; Apple TV mode |
Conference Room Display; Apple TV mode |
| 79 |
CTK |
CTK |
Crypto Token Kit; smart card management, also for the Secure Element on iOS? launchd service: com.apple.ctkd; command line tool: sc_auth |
Crypto Token Kit; smart card management, also for the Secure Element on iOS? launchd service: com.apple.ctkd; command line tool: sc_auth |
| 81 |
CVMS |
CVMS |
Core VM Server/Service? compilation of GPU shaders; launchd service: com.apple.cvmsServ |
Core VM Server/Service? compilation of GPU shaders; launchd service: com.apple.cvmsServ |
| 82 |
DAAP |
DAAP |
Digital Audio Access Protocol; used by Home Sharing (with Rapport token) and by the Remote app to control Apple TV (with pairing token); payload unencrypted; DAAPKit.framework; Bonjour services: _atc._tcp, _home-sharing._tcp, _mediaremotetv._tcp, _touch-able._tcp |
Digital Audio Access Protocol; used by Home Sharing (with Rapport token) and by the Remote app to control Apple TV (with pairing token); payload unencrypted; DAAPKit.framework; Bonjour services: _atc._tcp, _home-sharing._tcp, _mediaremotetv._tcp, _touch-able._tcp |
| 83 |
Daily Briefing |
Daily Briefing |
Siri giving an overview of information for the day; SiriDailyBriefingInternal.framework |
Siri giving an overview of information for the day; SiriDailyBriefingInternal.framework |
| 84 |
DART |
DART |
DMA Address Relocation Table; IOMMU implementation in Apple silicon, positioned in front of peripheral devices, offers sub-page protection; SART: streaming variant for high-throughput devices (like NVMe) |
DMA Address Relocation Table; IOMMU implementation in Apple silicon, positioned in front of every DMA-capable co-processor and peripheral, offers sub-page protection; SART: streaming variant for high-throughput devices (like NVMe) |
| 85 |
DAS |
DAS |
Duet Activity Scheduler; scheduling policy engine behind NSBackgroundActivityScheduler and XPC activities; /System/Library/DuetActivityScheduler; launchd service: com.apple.dasd |
Duet Activity Scheduler; scheduling policy engine behind NSBackgroundActivityScheduler and XPC activities; /System/Library/DuetActivityScheduler; launchd service: com.apple.dasd |
| 86 |
Data Detectors |
Data Detectors |
text analysis to highlight phone numbers, street addresses, and the like; DataDetectors.framework |
text analysis to highlight phone numbers, street addresses, and the like; DataDetectors.framework |
| 87 |
Data Vault |
Data Vault |
directories with the UF_DATAVAULT special flag; CSR limits access to one application |
directories with the UF_DATAVAULT special flag; CSR limits access to one application |
| 88 |
DAV |
DAV |
Distributed Authoring and Versioning; network protocol on top of HTTP for syncing calendars (CalDAV), contacts (CardDAV), and formerly also bookmarks (BookmarkDAV) |
Distributed Authoring and Versioning; network protocol on top of HTTP for syncing calendars (CalDAV), contacts (CardDAV), and formerly also bookmarks (BookmarkDAV) |
| 89 |
DCIM |
DCP |
Digital Camera Images; DCIMServices.framework |
Display Co-Processor |
| 90 |
DEP |
DEP |
Device Enrollment Program; devices check in with Apple during Setup Assistant to query for their enrollment status, retrieve MDM server URL to fetch initial configuration profile |
Device Enrollment Program; devices check in with Apple during Setup Assistant to query for their enrollment status, retrieve MDM server URL to fetch initial configuration profile |
| 91 |
DFR |
DFR |
Dynamic Function Row?, TouchBar; /System/Library/CoreServices/ControlStrip.app; DFRFoundation.framework |
Dynamic Function Row?, TouchBar; /System/Library/CoreServices/ControlStrip.app; DFRFoundation.framework |
| 92 |
DFU |
DFU |
Device Firmware Update; special boot mode where iOS has not booted and the system can be installed over the Lightning connection |
Device Firmware Update; special boot mode where iOS has not booted and the system can be installed over the Lightning connection |
| 93 |
Differential Privacy |
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 |
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 |
| 94 |
DND |
DND |
Do Not Disturb |
Do Not Disturb |
|
Domain Association |
|
signed files in .well-known directory on websites; equivalent to Entitlements for websites |
|
| 95 |
DSID |
DSID |
Destination Signaling Identifier, unique ID for IDS login on a specific device |
Destination Signaling Identifier, unique ID for IDS login on a specific device |
| 96 |
DTrace |
DTrace |
system-wide tracing infrastructure, command line tools: dtrace, *.d, dappprof, dapptrace, dtruss, errinfo, execsnoop, fddist, fs_usage, imptrace, iopattern, iopending, iosnoop, iotop, lastwords, latency, opensnoop, plockstat, rwsnoop, sampleproc, sc_usage, topsyscall, topsysproc |
system-wide tracing infrastructure, command line tools: dtrace, *.d, dappprof, dapptrace, dtruss, errinfo, execsnoop, fddist, fs_usage, imptrace, iopattern, iopending, iosnoop, iotop, lastwords, latency, opensnoop, plockstat, rwsnoop, sampleproc, sc_usage, topsyscall, topsysproc |
| 97 |
Duet |
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; CoreDuet.framework, CoreKnowledge.framework, CorePrediction.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coreduetd, com.apple.knowledge-agent |
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; CoreDuet.framework, CoreKnowledge.framework, CorePrediction.framework; launchd services: com.apple.coreduetd, com.apple.knowledge-agent |
| 98 |
Dyld Shared Cache |
Dyld Shared Cache |
dynamic linker cache, stores all system libraries in prelinked form, original library files are removed; /System/Library/dyld; command line tool: update_dyld_shared_cache |
dynamic linker cache, stores all system libraries in prelinked form, original library files are removed; /System/Library/dyld; command line tool: update_dyld_shared_cache |
| 99 |
EAS |
EAS |
Exchange Active Sync; network protocol for accessing Microsoft Exchange servers |
Exchange Active Sync; network protocol for accessing Microsoft Exchange servers |
| 100 |
|
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 |
| 101 |
Energy Impact |
Energy Impact |
unitless metric for per-application energy consumption, machine-specific coefficients; /usr/share/pmenergy, /usr/share/kpep; launchd services: com.apple.sysmond, com.apple.thermald; command line tool: powermetrics |
unitless metric for per-application energy consumption, machine-specific coefficients; /usr/share/pmenergy, /usr/share/kpep; launchd services: com.apple.sysmond, com.apple.thermald; command line tool: powermetrics |
| 102 |
Engram |
Engram |
Messages in iCloud; devices store received iMessages in CloudKit; Engram.framework |
Messages in iCloud; devices store received iMessages in CloudKit; Engram.framework |
| 103 |
Entitlements |
Entitlements |
capability-like attributes bound to executables by code signing; some entitlements like App Sandbox restrict ambient authority, some gradually relieve those restrictions (using Seatbelt), some services or system calls grant privilege based on caller entitlements |
capability-like attributes bound to executables by code signing; some entitlements like App Sandbox restrict ambient authority, some gradually relieve those restrictions (using Seatbelt), some services or system calls grant privilege based on caller entitlements |
| 110 |
FDR |
FDR |
Factory Data/Device Reset? ensures that no downgrades are performed? servers: skl.apple.com, gg.apple.com; /System/Library/FDR |
Factory Data/Device Reset? ensures that no downgrades are performed? servers: skl.apple.com, gg.apple.com; /System/Library/FDR |
| 111 |
Feldspar |
Feldspar |
Apple News; Silex.framework |
Apple News; Silex.framework |
| 112 |
FiDES |
FiDES |
Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? maybe private federated learning? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework; server: fides-pol.apple.com |
Fi? Distributed Evaluation Service? aggregates Differential Privacy data for unlinkability? maybe private federated learning? used for emoji, Suggestions, Dictation; /System/Library/DistributedEvaluation; DistributedEvaluation.framework; server: fides-pol.apple.com |
| 113 |
Find My … |
Find My … |
location sharing by explicitly querying devices remotely or collateral beacon detection using Search Party; launchd service: com.apple.icloud.fmfd (find my friends) |
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) |
| 114 |
Firmlink |
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 |
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 |
| 115 |
|
Focus |
|
restriction modes for notification presentation; Focus.framework, DoNotDisturb.framework; local settings in ~/Library/DoNotDisturb |
| 116 |
FollowUp |
FollowUp |
user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd |
user interaction for Secure Backup wrapping with device passcode, CoreFollowUp.framework; launchd service: com.apple.followupd |
| 117 |
FoundationDB |
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; 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 |
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; 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 |
| 118 |
FPR |
FPR |
Fast Permission Restrictions; Apple CPU registers to downgrade (old APRRs do bitmasking) or remap (SPRRs since M1) actual permissions of memory pages 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; used for JIT protection and by AMFI to freeze user code after checking |
| 119 |
FUD |
FUD |
Firmware Update Daemon; /var/db/fud; launchd service: com.apple.MobileAccessoryUpdater |
Firmware Update Daemon; /var/db/fud; launchd service: com.apple.accessoryupdaterd |
| 120 |
GID |
GID |
group ID key, shared across all devices of the same SoC generation, derived keys are used to prove device type over the network, only accessible by SEP |
group ID key, shared across all devices of the same SoC generation, derived keys are used to prove device type over the network, only accessible by SEP |
| 121 |
Gizmo |
Gizmo |
Apple Watch; watch settings managed by Companion; /Applications/Bridge.app, /System/Library/BridgeManifests |
Apple Watch; watch settings managed by Companion; /Applications/Bridge.app, /System/Library/BridgeManifests |
| 122 |
|
Group Activities |
|
SharePlay; sharing of media content and programmatic state over FaceTime calls; GroupActivities.framework, CopresenceCore.framework; launchd service: com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd |
| 123 |
GSS |
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 |
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 |
| 124 |
GXF |
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 |
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 |
| 125 |
HAP |
HAP |
Home Automation Protocol; CoreHAP.framework |
Home Automation Protocol; CoreHAP.framework |
| 126 |
HDA |
HDA |
High Definition Audio; HDAInterface.framework |
High Definition Audio; HDAInterface.framework |
| 127 |
HDI |
HDI |
Hard Disk Image; command line tool: hdiutil |
Hard Disk Image; command line tool: hdiutil |
|
HDR |
|
High Dynamic Range; video with wide-range transfer function; HDRProcessing.framework |
|
| 128 |
HeadBoard |
HeadBoard |
derivative of SpringBoard for tvOS home screen; /Applications/HeadBoard.app, /Applications/PineBoard.app |
derivative of SpringBoard for tvOS home screen; /Applications/HeadBoard.app, /Applications/PineBoard.app |
| 129 |
HLS |
HLS |
HTTP Live Streaming |
HTTP Live Streaming |
| 130 |
HSA |
HSA |
Hardware Security Architecture; version 1 used for two-step verification, SOS with iCSC; version 2 for two-factor authentication, CKKS and Secure Backup with iCDP |
Hardware Security Architecture; version 1 used for two-step verification, SOS with iCSC; version 2 for two-factor authentication, CKKS and Secure Backup with iCDP |
| 137 |
iCSC |
iCSC |
iCloud Security Code, credential wrapping for Secure Backup, previously used a separate code, with HSA2/iCDP uses device passcodes |
iCloud Security Code, credential wrapping for Secure Backup, previously used a separate code, with HSA2/iCDP uses device passcodes |
| 138 |
IDAM |
IDAM |
Inter-Device Audio and MIDI; audio connection between devices |
Inter-Device Audio and MIDI; audio connection between devices |
| 139 |
IDS |
IDS |
Identity Service, also IDMS, Apple ID identity management for all of Apple’s online services; APNS topics for signaling and messaging, see also Alloy, ESS, FaceTime, iMessage; authentication to services with Kerberos |
Identity Service, also IDMS, Apple ID identity management for all of Apple’s online services; APNS topics for signaling and messaging, see also Alloy, ESS, FaceTime, iMessage; authentication to services with Kerberos |
| 140 |
|
IDV |
|
Identity Verification? Touch ID and Face ID; /System/Library/AccessibilityBundles/CoreIDVUI.axbundle |
| 141 |
IM |
IM |
Instant Messaging; usually means iMessage and FaceTime |
Instant Messaging; usually means iMessage and FaceTime |
| 142 |
IMG4 |
IMG4 |
boot files (Mach-O binaries or configuration data) with ASN.1 signature, contains RemotePolicy certificate constraints to restrict Boot Policy evaluation |
boot files (Mach-O binaries or configuration data) with ASN.1 signature, contains RemotePolicy certificate constraints to restrict Boot Policy evaluation |
| 143 |
Intent |
Intent |
use-case-driven interaction with 3rd-party apps from a host app; used for Siri, Maps, Widgets (configuration); extension points: com.apple.intents-service, com.apple.intents-ui-service |
use-case-driven interaction with 3rd-party apps from a host app; used for Siri, Maps, Widgets (configuration); extension points: com.apple.intents-service, com.apple.intents-ui-service |
| 144 |
IOKit |
IOKit |
device driver subsystem for in-kernel and DriverKit drivers, command line tool: ioreg |
device driver subsystem for in-kernel and DriverKit drivers, command line tool: ioreg |
| 145 |
Ironwood |
Ironwood |
dictation, customized on server with selected user data (contacts, app names, music titles, HomeKit names, Siri Shortcut phrases), not tied to Apple ID; server: guzzoni.apple.com |
dictation, customized on server with selected user data (contacts, app names, music titles, HomeKit names, Siri Shortcut phrases), not tied to Apple ID; SpeechRecognitionCore.framework; server: guzzoni.apple.com |
| 146 |
ISP |
ISP |
Image Signal Processor; camera imaging circuit in iPhones |
Image Signal Processor; camera imaging circuit in iPhones |
| 147 |
ITML |
ITML |
iTunes Markup Language; metdata tagging for media services; ITMLKit.framework |
iTunes Markup Language; metdata tagging for media services; ITMLKit.framework |
| 148 |
ITP |
ITP |
Intelligent Tracking Prevention, cross-site tracking defenses in Safari, statistics and user interaction classify sites, cookies are partitioned and access is restricted |
Intelligent Tracking Prevention, cross-site tracking defenses in Safari, statistics and user interaction classify sites, cookies are partitioned and access is restricted |
| 150 |
Jellyfish |
Jellyfish |
Animoji |
Animoji |
| 151 |
Jetsam |
Jetsam |
reclaiming of purgeable memory and termination of apps during memory pressure |
reclaiming of purgeable memory and termination of apps during memory pressure |
| 152 |
JSC |
JSC |
JavaScript Core; JavaScriptCore.framework; command line tool: jsc |
JavaScript Core; JavaScriptCore.framework; command line tool: jsc |
| 153 |
|
Kalamata |
|
codename for the transition from x86 to ARM-based Apple Silicon |
| 154 |
Kerberos |
Kerberos |
single-sign-on mechanism; Heimdal.framework; command line tools: kinit, ktutil |
single-sign-on mechanism; Heimdal.framework; command line tools: kinit, ktutil |
| 155 |
Kext |
Kext |
kernel extension mechanism, loaded at boot time as part of a Kext Collection; /Library/Extensions, /Library/StagedExtensions (for user approval), /System/Library/Extensions; command line tool: kextutil (manages deprecated runtime loading) |
kernel extension mechanism, loaded at boot time as part of a Kext Collection; /Library/Extensions, /Library/StagedExtensions (for user approval), /System/Library/Extensions; command line tool: kextutil (manages deprecated runtime loading) |
| 156 |
Kext Collection |
Kext Collection |
prelinked sets of kernel extensions; /System/Library/KernelCollections (for boot and system kexts), /Library/KernelCollections (for auxiliary third-party kexts); the latter is only loaded at a lower-security Boot Policy; launchd service: com.apple.kernelmanagerd (invoked by kernel through host special port 15); command line tool: kmutil |
prelinked sets of kernel extensions; /System/Library/KernelCollections (for boot and system kexts), /Library/KernelCollections (for auxiliary third-party kexts); the latter is only loaded at a lower-security Boot Policy; launchd service: com.apple.kernelmanagerd (invoked by kernel through host special port 15); command line tool: kmutil |
| 163 |
LSM |
LSM |
Latent Semantic Mapping, text analysis, used for spam filtering, command line tool: lsm |
Latent Semantic Mapping, text analysis, used for spam filtering, command line tool: lsm |
| 164 |
Mac Buddy |
Mac Buddy |
historic name for Setup Assistant |
historic name for Setup Assistant |
| 165 |
MAC Policy |
MAC Policy |
Mandatory Access Control subsystem in XNU, based on TrustedBSD, implements policy hooks for restricted kernel operations; current policies: AMFI, Seatbelt, Quarantine, CSR |
Mandatory Access Control subsystem in XNU, based on TrustedBSD, implements policy hooks for restricted kernel operations; current policies: AMFI, Seatbelt, Quarantine, CSR |
| 166 |
Machine Learning |
Machine Learning |
Vision.framework, Espresso.framework, Futhark.framework, PhotoAnalysis.framework |
Vision.framework, Espresso.framework, Futhark.framework, PhotoAnalysis.framework; launchd service: com.apple.mediaanalysisd |
| 167 |
Madrid |
Madrid |
iMessage; /System/Library/Messages |
iMessage; /System/Library/Messages |
| 168 |
Manatee |
Manatee |
PCS key for some CloudKit containers are synced via CKKS, so data is unreadable to Apple (credential management codenames: Plesio, Stingray, Cuttlefish) |
PCS key for some CloudKit containers are synced via CKKS, so data is unreadable to Apple (credential management codenames: Plesio, Stingray, Cuttlefish) |
| 169 |
Mangrove |
Mangrove |
transfering UI tiles over XPC; Mangrove.framework, IOSurface.framework |
transfering UI tiles over XPC; Mangrove.framework, IOSurface.framework |
| 185 |
MRT |
MRT |
Malware Removal Tool; /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app |
Malware Removal Tool; /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app |
| 186 |
Multipeer Connectivity |
Multipeer Connectivity |
ad-hoc networking; Bonjour for discovery; WiFi, AWDL, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as transport; optional encryption and certificate-based authentication; MultipeerConnectivity.framework |
ad-hoc networking; Bonjour for discovery; WiFi, AWDL, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as transport; optional encryption and certificate-based authentication; MultipeerConnectivity.framework |
| 187 |
Nano |
Nano |
prefix for watchOS |
prefix for watchOS |
| 188 |
Neural Engine |
Nearby Interaction |
hardware accelerator for neural network operations; ANECompiler.framework, ANEServices.framework; launchd service: com.apple.aned |
proximity-based interaction between devices; proximity measured using ultra wideband or derived from other technologies; used for Universal Control; NearbyInteraction.framework, Proximity.framework; launchd service: com.apple.nearbyd |
| 189 |
Newton |
Newton |
fall detection on watchOS |
fall detection on watchOS |
| 190 |
NLP |
NLP |
Natural Language Processing; NLP.framework; related to mecabra libraries, a linguistic engine for Chinese and Japanese; /usr/share/mecabra, /usr/share/tokenizer |
Natural Language Processing; NLP.framework; related to mecabra libraries, a linguistic engine for Chinese and Japanese; /usr/share/mecabra, /usr/share/tokenizer |
| 191 |
Notarization |
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: altool, stapler |
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 |
| 192 |
Noticeboard |
Noticeboard |
User Notifications for Software Update and App Store, Noticeboard.framework; launchd services: com.apple.noticeboard.state (nbstated), com.apple.noticeboard.agent (nbagent) |
User Notifications for Software Update and App Store, Noticeboard.framework; launchd services: com.apple.noticeboard.state (nbstated), com.apple.noticeboard.agent (nbagent) |
| 193 |
Notifications |
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 |
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 |
| 194 |
NSP |
NSP |
Network Service Proxy; per-app VPN and proxy settings; launchd service: com.apple.networkserviceproxy |
Network Service Proxy; per-app VPN and proxy settings, implements Private Relay; launchd service: com.apple.networkserviceproxy |
| 195 |
OAH |
OAH |
Rosetta |
Rosetta; /usr/libexec/rosetta |
| 196 |
ODR |
ODR |
On-Demand Resources; loaded from App Store; launchd service: com.apple.appstored |
On-Demand Resources; loaded from App Store; launchd service: com.apple.appstored |
| 197 |
Onboarding |
Onboarding |
data protection splash screen shown by service-connected apps; /System/Library/OnBoardingBundles; OnBoardingKit.framework |
data protection splash screen shown by service-connected apps; /System/Library/OnBoardingBundles; OnBoardingKit.framework |
| 198 |
Open Directory |
Open Directory |
directory service for user, group, and machine management; plugin-based to use different backend stores (LDAP, Active Directory), local accounts in /private/var/db/dslocal; launchd service: com.apple.opendirectoryd; command line tools: dscacheutil, dscl, dsconfigad, dsconfigldap, dseditgroup, dsenableroot, dserr, dsexport, dsimport, dsmemberutil, odutil |
directory service for user, group, and machine management; plugin-based to use different backend stores (LDAP, Active Directory), local accounts in /private/var/db/dslocal; launchd service: com.apple.opendirectoryd; command line tools: dscacheutil, dscl, dsconfigad, dsconfigldap, dseditgroup, dsenableroot, dserr, dsexport, dsimport, dsmemberutil, odutil |
| 207 |
PCS |
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, Manatee; ProtectedCloudStorage.framework; /System/Library/Preferences/ProtectedCloudStorage; command line tool: pcsstatus |
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, Manatee; ProtectedCloudStorage.framework; /System/Library/Preferences/ProtectedCloudStorage; command line tool: pcsstatus |
| 208 |
PCSC |
PCSC |
Personal Computer Smart Card; PCSC.framework, uses CTK |
Personal Computer Smart Card; PCSC.framework, uses CTK |
| 209 |
PDE |
PDE |
Print Dialog Extension; old name, not a proper Extension |
Print Dialog Extension; old name, not a proper Extension |
| 210 |
Pegasus |
Pegasus |
picture-in-picture video playback; Pegasus.framework (iOS), PIP.framework (macOS) |
meaning 1: picture-in-picture video playback; Pegasus.framework (iOS), PIP.framework (macOS); meaning 2: online search query engine for visual lookup; PegasusKit.framework |
| 211 |
Pepper |
Pepper |
UI elements for Watch home screen and Chat, like Quickboard (canned replies), Animoji; PepperUICore.framework |
UI elements for Watch home screen and Chat, like Quickboard (canned replies), Animoji; PepperUICore.framework |
| 212 |
Persona |
Persona |
separation of sub-user-identities, like when using a private and managed Apple account; PersonaKit.framework; ~/Library/Personas; /System/Library/UserManagement |
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 |
| 213 |
|
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 |
| 214 |
Piano Mover |
Piano Mover |
Mail Drop; bulk mail attachments transfered over PCS; not to be confused with storage for iMessage attachments, which uses a CloudKit container |
Mail Drop; bulk mail attachments transfered over PCS; not to be confused with storage for iMessage attachments, which uses a CloudKit container |
| 215 |
Plugin |
Plugin |
Extensions, XPC services bundled with apps or frameworks, discovery by Launch Services; launchd service: com.apple.pluginkit.pkd; command line tool: pluginkit |
Extensions, XPC services bundled with apps or frameworks, discovery by Launch Services; launchd service: com.apple.pluginkit.pkd; command line tool: pluginkit |
| 216 |
PMP |
PMP |
Port Mapping Protocol; Apple alternative to UPnP, Bonjour service: _acp-sync._tcp |
Port Mapping Protocol; Apple alternative to UPnP, Bonjour service: _acp-sync._tcp |
| 217 |
PowerUI |
PowerUI |
battery management like smart charge and power save, learns from Duet and other data; PowerUI.framework; /var/db/PowerUI; launchd service: com.apple.PowerUIAgent |
battery management like smart charge and power save, learns from Duet and other data; PowerUI.framework; /var/db/PowerUI; launchd service: com.apple.PowerUIAgent |
| 218 |
Preferences |
Preferences |
storage for user-configurable settings; launchd services: com.apple.cfprefsd.xpc.daemon, com.apple.cfprefsd.xpc.agent; stored in Library/Preferences, command line tool: defaults; interaction with Synced Defaults per /System/Library/DefaultsConfigurations |
storage for user-configurable settings; launchd services: com.apple.cfprefsd.xpc.daemon, com.apple.cfprefsd.xpc.agent; stored in Library/Preferences, command line tool: defaults; interaction with Synced Defaults per /System/Library/DefaultsConfigurations |
| 219 |
|
Private Relay |
|
two-hop onion routing with one entry and one exit node; Apple operates entry, third-party services operate exit nodes; QUIC for payload, ODoH for DNS, approximate IP geolocation via Waldo; authentication via Attestation, propagated to proxys using RSA blind signatures |
| 220 |
Proactive |
Proactive |
umbrella term for suggestions and completions based on Duet forecasting and User Activity context, also marketed as Siri features; PersonalizationPortrait.framework |
umbrella term for suggestions and completions based on Duet forecasting and User Activity context, also marketed as Siri features; PersonalizationPortrait.framework |
| 221 |
QoS Classes |
QoS Classes |
inheritable property for Activities; semantic priorities, influences scheduling parameters; initially set at user-level, priority inheritance within GCD queues and across XPC in kernel? |
inheritable property for Activities; semantic priorities, influences scheduling parameters; initially set at user-level, priority inheritance within GCD queues and across XPC in kernel? |
| 222 |
Quagga |
Quagga |
framework for QR and barcode decoding; Quagga.framework |
framework for QR and barcode decoding; Quagga.framework |
| 223 |
|
Quick Action |
|
extension type for quick interaction with foreign content within a host app; extension points: com.apple.services, com.apple.ui-services |
| 224 |
Quick Look |
Quick Look |
file preview and thumbnail generation; comand line tool: qlmanage |
file preview and thumbnail generation; comand line tool: qlmanage |
| 225 |
RAOP |
RAOP |
Remote Audio Output Protocol, AirPlay; Bonjour service: _raop._tcp |
Remote Audio Output Protocol, AirPlay; Bonjour service: _raop._tcp |
| 226 |
Rapport |
Rapport |
device pairing by proximity using Alloy, with PIN entry, or using iCloud; once paired, devices can access services; used for HomeKit, HomePod, AirPlay, Home Sharing, SideCar; Rapport.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rapportd; Bonjour service: _companion-link._tcp |
device pairing by proximity using Alloy, with PIN entry, or using iCloud; once paired, devices can access services; used for HomeKit, HomePod, AirPlay, Home Sharing, SideCar; Rapport.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rapportd; Bonjour service: _companion-link._tcp |
| 227 |
Recents |
Recents |
recently used items (not files) in various applications, synced with Synced Defaults; CoreRecents.framework, /System/Library/Recents; launchd service: com.apple.recentsd |
recently used items (not files) in various applications, synced with Synced Defaults; CoreRecents.framework, /System/Library/Recents; launchd service: com.apple.recentsd |
| 228 |
Relevance Engine |
Relevance Engine |
backend for Siri suggestions (for example of Siri Shortcuts), Widget smart stacks (also Siri watch face); consumes Duet knowledge and app-provided timelines with relevance hints; /System/Library/RelevanceEngine; launchd service: com.apple.relevanced |
backend for Siri suggestions (for example of Siri Shortcuts), Widget smart stacks (also Siri watch face); consumes Duet knowledge and app-provided timelines with relevance hints; /System/Library/RelevanceEngine; launchd service: com.apple.relevanced |
| 229 |
|
Remote Pairing |
|
Mobile Device pairing without wired connection; RemotePairingDevice.framework; launchd service: com.apple.dt.remotepairingdeviced; Bonjour services: _remotepairing._tcp, _remotepairing-manual-pairing._tcp |
| 230 |
RemoteXPC |
RemoteXPC |
connection to a non-SoC-integrated SEP like Bridge; uses HTTP/2 over a network interface, Bridge connected over USB, secured using Attestation; RemoteServiceDiscovery.framework, TrustedAccessory.framework; launchd service: com.apple.remoted, com.apple.tracd; command line tool: remotectl |
connection to a non-SoC-integrated SEP like Bridge; uses HTTP/2 over a network interface, Bridge connected over USB, secured using Attestation; RemoteServiceDiscovery.framework, TrustedAccessory.framework; launchd service: com.apple.remoted, com.apple.tracd; command line tool: remotectl |
| 231 |
Revisions |
Revisions |
document autosave and auto-versioning; stored in .DocumentRevisions-V100; GenerationalStorage.framework; launchd service: com.apple.revisiond |
document autosave and auto-versioning; stored in .DocumentRevisions-V100; GenerationalStorage.framework; launchd service: com.apple.revisiond |
| 232 |
Routine |
Routine |
frequently visited locations on iOS, interacts with Duet; launchd service: com.apple.routined |
frequently visited locations on iOS, interacts with Duet; launchd service: com.apple.routined |
| 233 |
RTC |
RTC |
Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rtcreportingd |
Real-time Telemetry and Crash reporting; RTCReporting.framework; launchd service: com.apple.rtcreportingd |
| 234 |
RunningBoard |
RTKit |
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/RunningBoard |
operating system used on Apple Silicon for firmware of co-processors |
| 235 |
|
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 |
| 236 |
SBPL |
SBPL |
Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles |
Sandbox Profile Language; a TinyScheme-based embedded DSL for Seatbelt profiles |
| 237 |
SCIP |
SCIP |
System Coprocessor Integrity Protection; like KIP, but for SEP, ISP, Motion coprocessor |
System Coprocessor Integrity Protection; like KIP, but for SEP, ISP, Motion coprocessor |
| 238 |
Screen Reader |
Screen Reader |
VoiceOver and Braille; /System/Library/ScreenReader; ScreenReader.framework |
VoiceOver and Braille; /System/Library/ScreenReader; ScreenReader.framework |
| 239 |
Screen Time |
Screen Time |
digital wellbeing and parental controls system, uses Device Management as policy engine, self-enforced within the application by frameworks; launchd services: com.apple.ScreenTimeAgent, com.apple.dmd |
digital wellbeing and parental controls system, uses Device Management as policy engine, self-enforced within the application by frameworks; DeviceActivity.framework, ManagedSettings.framework, FamilyControls.framework; launchd services: com.apple.ScreenTimeAgent, com.apple.dmd |
| 240 |
SDB |
SDB |
SQL Database; CoreSDB.framework, used by iCloud communication |
SQL Database; CoreSDB.framework, used by iCloud communication |
| 241 |
Search Party |
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 |
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 |
| 242 |
Seatbelt |
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) |
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) |
| 250 |
Signpost |
Signpost |
telemetry API to report points of interest in code; launchd service: com.apple.signpost.signpost_reporter |
telemetry API to report points of interest in code; launchd service: com.apple.signpost.signpost_reporter |
| 251 |
Simulator |
Simulator |
running an iOS/tvOS/watchOS personality on macOS, uses sandboxing and a separate Mach bootstrap namespace for container-like isolation, command line tool: simctl |
running an iOS/tvOS/watchOS personality on macOS, uses sandboxing and a separate Mach bootstrap namespace for container-like isolation, command line tool: simctl |
| 252 |
SIP |
SIP |
System Integrity Protection or rootless mode; collection of kernel-level security restrictions regarding file system modification, unsigned Kexts, Taskport access, NVRAM access, DTrace; /System/Library/Sandbox/rootless.conf; command line tool: csrutil, rootless-init |
System Integrity Protection or rootless mode; collection of kernel-level security restrictions regarding file system modification, unsigned Kexts, Taskport access, NVRAM access, DTrace; /System/Library/Sandbox/rootless.conf; command line tool: csrutil, rootless-init |
| 253 |
|
Site Association |
|
signed files in .well-known directory on websites; equivalent to Entitlements for websites, associates domains with app IDs for Universal Links; command line tool: swcutil |
| 254 |
SKP |
SKP |
Sealed Key Protection; measurement of system state (boot chain IMG4 manifests, BPR, Boot Policy data, UID key, user passcode) to derive Keybag keys |
Sealed Key Protection; measurement of system state (boot chain IMG4 manifests, BPR, Boot Policy data, UID key, user passcode) to derive Keybag keys |
| 255 |
SKS |
SKS |
Secure Key Store; handling of keybag keys within the SEP |
Secure Key Store; handling of keybag keys within the SEP |
| 256 |
SkyLight |
SkyLight |
WindowServer; SkyLight.framework |
WindowServer; SkyLight.framework |
| 257 |
Skywalk |
Skywalk |
network subsystem in XNU, links together actual technologies (Bluetooth, WiFi, Thunderbolt) and interfaces/tunnels; transacts in nexus (for conduits) and agent (for endpoints) objects; DriverKit network drivers use Skywalk; command line tool: skywalkctl |
network subsystem in XNU, links together actual technologies (Bluetooth, WiFi, Thunderbolt) and interfaces/tunnels; transacts in nexus (for conduits) and agent (for endpoints) objects; DriverKit network drivers use Skywalk; command line tool: skywalkctl |
| 258 |
|
SLC |
|
System-Level Cache, architectural feature of Apple Silicon; cache located within SoC at controllers for external DRAM, serves all compute units and stages transfers between them |
| 259 |
Social Gaming |
Social Gaming |
Game Center; multiplayer gaming services on top of CloudKit, shared storage and low-latency multicast for multiplayer sessions; launchd service: com.apple.gamed |
Game Center; multiplayer gaming services on top of CloudKit, shared storage and low-latency multicast for multiplayer sessions; launchd service: com.apple.gamed |
| 260 |
Sock Puppet |
Sock Puppet |
Watch interaction that requires Companion device |
Watch interaction that requires Companion device |
| 261 |
SOS |
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, now uses CKKS; launchd services: com.apple.secd (access to local keychain), com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3 (connects to Synced Defaults), com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification |
Secure Object Sync; syncing backend for iCloud Keychain, not to be confused with the emergency call feature; transferred items previously staged in Synced Defaults, now uses CKKS; launchd services: com.apple.secd (access to local keychain), com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3 (connects to Synced Defaults), com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification |
| 281 |
Time Machine |
Time Machine |
automatic backup service, command line tools: tmdiagnose, tmutil |
automatic backup service, command line tools: tmdiagnose, tmutil |
| 282 |
Tin Can |
Tin Can |
Walkie Talkie on watchOS |
Walkie Talkie on watchOS |
| 283 |
Tones |
Tones |
ringtones; ToneLibrary.framework |
ringtones; ToneLibrary.framework |
|
Tourist |
|
backend for user-visible tips and hints; launchd service: com.apple.touristd |
|
| 284 |
Translocation |
Translocation |
app binary copied on launch to dedicated location; initiated by Launch Services for security (prevents path traversal for apps quarantined by System Policy) or path normalization (iOS apps do not expect to be moved, but can be moved on macOS) |
app binary copied on launch to dedicated location; initiated by Launch Services for security (prevents path traversal for apps quarantined by System Policy) or path normalization (iOS apps do not expect to be moved, but can be moved on macOS) |
| 285 |
Transparency |
Transparency |
key transparency for ESS keys? Transparency.framework; launchd service: com.apple.transparencyd; server: init-kt.apple.com |
key transparency for ESS keys? Transparency.framework; launchd service: com.apple.transparencyd; server: init-kt.apple.com |
| 286 |
|
TSS |
|
Tatsu Signing Server; online verification for firmware signatures; server: gs.apple.com |
| 287 |
TTS |
TTS |
Text To Speech, command line tool: say; /System/Library/Speech; synthesizer engines: MacinTalk (historic), Polyglot (phoneme-based?), Gryphon (current, DNN-based?) |
Text To Speech, command line tool: say; /System/Library/Speech; synthesizer engines: MacinTalk (historic), Polyglot (phoneme-based?), Gryphon (current, DNN-based?) |
| 288 |
TVML |
TVML |
TV Markup Language; declarative UI language for TV apps; TVMLKit.framework |
TV Markup Language; declarative UI language for TV apps; TVMLKit.framework |
| 289 |
Ubiquity |
Ubiquity |
iCloud Drive; uses CloudKit, codename Bladerunner; CloudDocs.framework; command line tools: fileproviderctl; launchd service: com.apple.bird (iclouddrive-agent); locally stored in ~/Library/Mobile Documents (was supposed to move to Library/CloudStorage/iCloud Drive and iclouddrivectl but this was reverted) |
iCloud Drive; codename Bladerunner, uses CloudKit; CloudDocs.framework; command line tools: fileproviderctl; launchd service: com.apple.bird (iclouddrive-agent); locally stored in ~/Library/Mobile Documents (was supposed to move to Library/CloudStorage/iCloud Drive and iclouddrivectl but this was reverted) |
| 290 |
UID |
UID |
unique ID key, used as root key for cryptographic subsystems, generated during manufacturing by SEP and fused into hardware, only accessible by SEP |
unique ID key, used as root key for cryptographic subsystems, generated during manufacturing by SEP and fused into hardware, only accessible by SEP |
| 291 |
Unified Logging |
Unified Logging |
system-wide logging and Activity tracking; launchd service: com.apple.logd, com.apple.diagnosticd; command line tool: log; /dev/oslog; data stored in /var/db/diagnostics, support files in /var/db/uuidtext |
system-wide logging and Activity tracking; launchd service: com.apple.logd, com.apple.diagnosticd; command line tool: log; /dev/oslog; data stored in /var/db/diagnostics, support files in /var/db/uuidtext |
| 292 |
User Activity |
User Activity |
abstraction behind deep-linking into apps with structured context data (people, places); used for Universal Links (with schema.org on websites), Handoff, Parsec, Siri Shortcuts, Proactive; UserActivity.framework; launchd service: com.apple.coreservices.useractivityd |
abstraction behind deep-linking into apps with structured context data (people, places); used for Universal Links (with schema.org on websites), Handoff, Parsec, Siri Shortcuts, Proactive; UserActivity.framework; launchd service: com.apple.coreservices.useractivityd |
| 293 |
User Notifications |
User Notifications |
user interface for notification center; launchd service: com.apple.usernoted |
user interface for notification center; launchd service: com.apple.usernoted |
| 294 |
UTI |
UTI |
Uniform Type Identifiers; system for document types; file extensions and MIME types are mapped to UTIs, UTIs form a conformance graph, apps register their UTIs with Launch Services; /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle; also Apple’s hardware devices are represented as UTIs |
Uniform Type Identifiers; system for document types; file extensions and MIME types are mapped to UTIs, UTIs form a conformance graph, apps register their UTIs with Launch Services; /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle; also Apple’s hardware devices are represented as UTIs |
| 295 |
VA |
VA |
Video Acceleration; AppleGVA.framework, AppleVA.framework, AppleVPA.framework |
Video Acceleration; AppleGVA.framework, AppleVA.framework, AppleVPA.framework |
| 296 |
Viceroy |
Viceroy |
video conferencing used by FaceTime and ReplayKit |
video conferencing used by FaceTime and ReplayKit; ViceroyTrace.framework |
| 297 |
VSDB |
VSDB |
volume status database; /var/db/volinfo.database; command line tool: vsdbutil |
volume status database; /var/db/volinfo.database; command line tool: vsdbutil |
| 298 |
Waldo |
Waldo |
Apple VPN service? seen in NSP, server: waldo.apple.com |
selects edge servers based on approximate location, part of Private Relay, seen in NSP |
| 299 |
WFS |
WFS |
WebDAV File Sharing; built-in file sharing with Apache; /etc/wfs; command line tool: wfsctl |
WebDAV File Sharing; built-in file sharing with Apache; /etc/wfs; command line tool: wfsctl |
| 300 |
Widgets |
Widgets |
content excerpt from apps; provided via a timeline of view hierarchies, configuration uses Intents, technically very similar to complications on watch face; extension point: com.apple.widgetkit-extension |
content excerpt from apps; provided via a timeline of view hierarchies, configuration uses Intents, technically very similar to complications on watch face; extension point: com.apple.widgetkit-extension |
| 301 |
Willow |
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 |
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 |
| 302 |
|
Workflow |
|
Shortcuts; user-programmable system-wide automation, built-in triggers cause a chain of actions to run; actions are synthesized from User Activities and Intents provided by apps; WorkflowKit.framework, ActionKit.framework; locally stored in ~/Library/Shortcuts; launchd service: com.apple.siriactionsd (voice-triggered shortcuts); command line tool: shortcuts |
| 303 |
xART |
xART |
eXtended Anti-Replay Technology; persistent storage for SEP, used by Mesa; /System/Volumes/xarts; launchd service: com.apple.xartstorageremoted; command line tool: xartutil |
eXtended Anti-Replay Technology; persistent storage for SEP, used by Mesa; /System/Volumes/xarts; launchd service: com.apple.xartstorageremoted; command line tool: xartutil |
| 304 |
XCS |
XCS |
Xcode Server; continuous integration server; command line tools: xcscontrol, xcsdiagnose |
Xcode Server; continuous integration server; command line tools: xcscontrol, xcsdiagnose |
|