Apple Introducing New Internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool

[MacRumors]

Apple is introducing a new internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool as a successor to its existing Serial Number Reader, which can be used to both collect a device's serial number directly from its logic board and test power on a device itself.

Image via Giulio Zompetti​

With only a Lightning version previously available, images have surfaced of a new USB-C Diagnostic Tool (UDT) that appears to be known as "ChimpSWD" internally. The new tool was produced for compatibility with Apple's iPad Pro lineup, which has been USB-C based since 2018.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1266331657675706369

Based on the above information, it appears a technician should connect the UDT to the Hardware Diagnostic Interface (HDI) Mac using the appropriate cable and the other end to the target device to correctly utilize the new tool and obtain diagnostic information.

Apple has informed service providers that its Apple Service Toolkit 2 diagnostic system has been updated to support HDI Serial Number Reader for the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro using the new USB-C Diagnostic Tool. Support for the latest second-generation 11-inch model and fourth-generation 12.9-inch model will follow at a later date.

Article Link: Apple Introducing New Internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool

 

[SAIRUS]

With Apple‘s software as of late...I dunno if I would trust it. It would probably say the bright spot on my iPad Pro was fine because it took a screenshot and then took at each pixel and said that colors are in acceptable range. When asked what acceptable range is, it would take another iteration to get that answer out. Meanwhile customer will get “sorry we can charge you a replace cost, I don’t see an option here that will allow me to replace it for you”

 

[4jasontv]

Man, that asymmetric dongle is so unApple. Do you capitalize the "a" in that word? Where are the haters when you need one.

 

[The Clark]

The power testing feature is actually going to be really useful.

 

[moo083]

is it just me or does it seem like Apple wouldn’t work on something that is just specific to the iPad. Could this be potential evidence that Apple is actually planning to release an iPhone with a USB-C port?

 

[alien3dx]

is it just me or does it seem like Apple wouldn’t work on something that is just specific to the iPad. Could this be potential evidence that Apple is actually planning to release an iPhone with a USB-C port?

push ipad mini for usb c also. lightning now.. Usb c is nice but still have some flaw..

 

[yurc]

So basically this is some of dongle diagnostic tool lol. This is quite informative for people who live outside of GSX stuff or whatsoever, thanks for sharing new knowledge MR !

I wonder why when article such like this released, it was have less commentary though

 

[mnsportsgeek]

is it just me or does it seem like Apple wouldn’t work on something that is just specific to the iPad. Could this be potential evidence that Apple is actually planning to release an iPhone with a USB-C port?

It's just you.

 

[RogerWilco]

So basically this is some of dongle diagnostic tool lol. This is quite informative for people who live outside of GSX stuff or whatsoever, thanks for sharing new knowledge MR !

I wonder why when article such like this released, it was have less commentary though

Diagnostic tool? Perhaps a tool that bypasses login protocols to access data directly? Now who in the world might need such a device?

 

[Fusionskies]

I used to use SNR's all the time when I worked for an APR. They were really cool pieces of equipment, really handy when devices could not be powered on. Sometimes they could be temperamental and didn't read if there was slight damage to the dock, fortunately apple still etches the IMEI onto the sim card tray, so that can be used in placement if a SN cannot be gathered.

 

[MacLoveMacHate]

The mere sight of this had me thinking, oh no, not another dongle.