Apple diagnostics tools

[pistonheadforum]

I was in the Apple store getting a battery replaced on a phone and the staff member (genius?) first ran some special Apple software on their ipad that connected to the phone and performed diagnostics. When I asked how this worked (bluetooth?) they said no, it's done via the wifi. They did not really seem to know more just that it was a process and tool they used.

I am assuming that they needed to join some SSID and then query the device and presumably accept it on the device to allow it to get access. Anybody know how this works technically as it looked pretty neat but I guess means there is another way into the phone that can be used to ease diagnostics or that it's always ready to be queried and a potential security risk.

Just curious how it worked really.

Thanks in advance.

[simon_harris]

Apple devices already talk to each other and you have no way to block it, I suspect it is that connection being utilised

[mmm-five]

The diagnostics will be running tests on the hardware, not the contents of your iPad.

They'll simply be checking that the diagnostics show that it really is a battery issue, and that there's no other underlying technical reason why a simple battery swap should not be carried out.

Your porn is safely stored in as encrypted data that would be lost (i.e. unable to be decrypted) should the security chip (T2/Secure Enclave) be damaged.

[steveatesh]

simon_harris said:

Apple devices already talk to each other and you have no way to block it, I suspect it is that connection being utilised

Apple morphs into Cyberdyne Systems in a couple years time……..probably.

[andygo]

steveatesh said:

Apple morphs into Cyberdyne Systems in a couple years time……..probably.

What does that mean in real terms for the technically uninformed but interested camp?