What is the best way of logging the pairing / commissioning process of Matter and HomeKit Accessories (Console logs are encrypted / lacking). I could not find any specific software or documentation provided by Apple regarding this (nor any other participant of the CSA).

As you know, the Apple lightning cable has 8 pins on each side, but some accessory brands have some production of the same lightning cable as Apple but its have fewer than 8 pins. They have removed pin 3, pin 2-3, or pin 6-7, so the cables can be charged for iPhones (explain here ), but I worry about the transmission data. How can you explain that to me?

There is a feature that asks user to allow new accessory to connect via usb/thunderbolt. Official documentation is here . Is there a way to find what accessories are allowed and how to remove previously allowed accessory?

I am running Mac Studio (Apple Silicon) on MacOS Ventura 13.2, which is the latest version as of writing. For some reason, on this particular computer, **System Settings > Privacy & Security > "Allow accessories to connect"** section is not visible. However, it is visible on my MacBook Pro. What might be the reason for this? I theorize that it may be because the Mac Studio has some external devices connected to it already (monitor, USB/Thunderbolt Hubs, iPad, etc), but I have not investigated this as I'd have to tear things down.

In the comments under an answer on another question, a user commented that the Smart Connector on an iPad (7th generation) is > "not a charging system" and that > "the [Apple Smart] keyboard doesn't charge by the smart connector. The > keyboard is changed by the usb-c port. The iPad is charged via the > usb-c port and pass-through charging thru the smart connector." However, at least one (non-Apple) keyboard appears to both pair *and* charge via the Smart Connector: > Rugged Folio for iPad (7th and 8th generation) is a slim keyboard case > with drop protection that exceeds military standard tests. **It uses > Smart Connector technology so no pairing or charging is required.** High > performance spill and dirt-resistant sealed keys make this the perfect > tool for on-the-go work. Enjoy a full-size keyboard with convenient > iOS® shortcut keys, front and back protection for your iPad, and a > convenient spot to stow Logitech Crayon or Apple Pencil® (1st gen). (Emphasis added.) So my questions: 1. Does either the Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard charge via the Smart Connector? Is the answer different on the 7th generation and 8th generation iPads? 2. If the answer to 1 is "Yes", does the 8th generation iPad use the same connector to charge the Apple Pencil 2, or does it use a separate magnetic induction system to do that? (Note that the 8th gen iPad **is** compatible with the Pencil 2, even though the 7th gen is not.) If the latter, is there a reason why? It seems weirdly redundant to build two different systems for charging accessories into the sides of the iPad.

In preparation for selling a used Apple Pencil, should it be unpaired or reset in any way (*so the new owner can pair it with his or her iPad Pro*)? Is the Apple Pencil tied exclusively to the iPad Pro it's been paired with? If it does need to be reset, how?

I'm looking for a keyboard model that would be able to connect to my iPad and be possible to reprogram at the accessory-level to have custom key mappings/layouts. I understand that many mechanical keyboard are programmable in this way, and I've seen several that appear to be compatible with iPad, however I'm not sure if any of them are actually reprogrammable. Otherwise is anyone aware of any iPad keyboards with "hackable" or jailbroken firmware?

I have an iPhone SE. I want to disable USB Accessories so that my phone cannot be connected to via USB after an hour, protecting my security. The problem I have is that the option is enabled, and I cannot disable it because it is greyed out, preventing me from tapping on it. I checked a few YouTube tutorial videos and it just seems to work.

My first iPad (which I don't have anymore) had an Apple brand Smart Cover which held onto the iPad with magnets. It was very convenient as you could easily remove and reattach the Smart Cover in a few seconds. My current iPad is an iPad Air 1 (model number A1474) and I am looking for a similar magnetic Smart Cover, one whose hinges attach magnetically to the side of the iPad without needing the iPad to be in a case. Was there ever such an accessory?

The Lightning port on the [Lightning to VGA Adapter](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD825AM/A/lightning-to-vga-adapter) is used for charging while mirroring. I want to know if this Lightning port has the ability to transmit data? For example, plug a [Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMX62AM/A/lightning-to-35-mm-headphone-jack-adapter) into that port, then connect an earphone through this jack adapter. Will the earphone work?

Apple released several firmware revisions for the external iSight camera: - iSight 1.0.3 Update - Improved audio performance - iSight 1.0.2 Update - Improved auto exposure - Improved auto white balance - Enhanced IIDC compliance - Better overall performance How can I update my iSight to the latest firmware revision?

I own a A1502 MacBook Pro Retina 13" display. It came with a 60W charger model A1435. I want to get a case for the charger, I see there are lots of accessories available for A1425 and many spare parts suppliers list A1435 and A1425 together. Are those compatible? 1. What is the actual difference between A1435 and A1425? 2. Are those compatible when it comes to their specification? Can both of them charge A1502 MacBook? 3. Are those dimensionally compatible? Can same accessories fit both models? Thanks in advance for the answers!

Using the lightning to USB accessory can I use a wired mouse with my iPad (8th gen) connected to a wired keyboard that has USB ports in it?

Recently, I bought my very first MacBook Pro with Retina Display. I am hesitating between having a screen protector or not. Some claim that a protector can prevent the retina display from scratch, while others say that one can only get the best out of the retina display without any extra protection. Is such a protector worthwhile? Will the screen get scratched when I use a cloth to clean it, if I do not have the protector?

I bought some wifi enabled color changing "smart" lights that work with the Google Home app and Amazon Alexa but not with Apple HomeKit. As someone who's heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, this came as a disappointment and it made me wonder if it's possible for manufacturers to make their devices compatible simply by pushing a firmware update or if there are specific hardware requirements that have to be met.

My iPhone XS Max Smart Battery Case's serial number is extremely difficult to make out due to the color and wear on the fabric. How do I use macOS Console.app to connect to my iPhone to see what the Smart Battery Case serial number is?

I used to check MFi product using mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getAPS provided by Apple. It looks like they have turned it off. I would like to know if there is any alternative available?

Company X is developing Bluetooth speakers. We outsource our electronic chips from company Y and I'm working on developing a Bluetooth enabled app. Will the app get disapproved by Apple if the company X is not a part of the [Apple MFi program](https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/) ?

I have related questions about a smart ID card reader for my MacBook Air. I need to insert a [Smart ID card](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_card) into a reader connected to my laptop when logged into a website for ID verification. I'm a non-technical person and this is freaking me out, but apparently people do this a lot. 1. If I go to a random electronics store and buy a card reader will I have to download and install strange and scary software for the reader to work, or will MacOS already have something built in that will handle this safely? 2. Does Apple make a compatible reader that would be better to use than a random one from a store, where better means some combination of safer, more reliable and more secure? 3. I have an old 2012 MacBook Air but am buying a new 2020 MacBook Air soon. Because of the different connections will I need to buy two different readers? I saw [this answer](https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/33401/143729) to *Easy solution to use a SmartCard with a 15" MacBook Pro?* from 2011 but the item it links to is discontinued.

I read a few answers/articles. But that only made the confusion worse. **Common answers were:** *No, don't put screen , because:* 1. There is very little gap between Keyboard & Display and adding a screen guard in middle would put pressure on display 2. Adhesive on screen guard could damage the coating on Retina display (anti-reflective coating?) *Yes, put a screen guard:* 3. It'll prevent dust scratches (dust on keyboard causing a scratch. 4. It'll prevent grease/acid on keyboard sticking to display thus preventing damage to reflective coating. BTW, 3. already happened to me. I recently got a very tiny dust scratch on my display, which is the reason why I've been thinking of putting a screen guard. Are there experienced summaries of the risks so I can make a decision on this?