Apple Introduces Liquid Detection System for Macs
Apple has developed a new system to detect liquid damage in Mac computers. The discovery was made by tech website 9to5Mac, which noticed the presence of a new system daemon called ‘liquiddetectiond’ in the latest macOS update, known as Sonoma 14.1. This daemon, also referred to as the Liquid Detection and Corrosion Mitigation Daemon, constantly monitors the USB ports on Mac computers for any signs of liquid.
The reason for this new feature is that Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid damage. Whether it’s a spilled drink or a submerged device, any liquid-related incidents result in the Mac being deemed faulty. This means that if a user tries to get their damaged Mac replaced under warranty, Apple will be able to detect if liquid has been the cause of the malfunction.
In addition to the liquiddetectiond system daemon, Macs also have Liquid Contact Indicators to further detect liquid spills. This new liquid intrusion detection system provides an extra line of defense for Macs against liquid damage.
Interestingly, a similar liquid detection daemon is also present in Apple’s iPhones and iPads. However, in the case of these devices, the daemon alerts the user to the presence of liquid in a port and advises them to unplug the device if charging. The macOS Sonoma update, on the other hand, appears to focus solely on enabling Apple to analyze damaged Macs and does not issue similar warnings.
It is anticipated that this liquid detection system will debut in the new M3 Macs. Whether older models will receive this feature remains uncertain, as it may depend on the presence of specific hardware components in the USB ports that facilitate detection.
For iPhone owners, the reliability of the liquid detection system has been questioned, with some users reporting false detections and warnings. These issues have been known to resolve themselves, potentially through software updates or by cleaning the USB port to remove particles that may trigger false positives. However, caution is advised when cleaning ports to prevent damage.
Overall, Apple’s introduction of a liquid detection system for Macs aims to better protect its devices and prevent fraudulent warranty claims due to liquid damage. Users can expect improved durability and longevity in their Mac computers, especially with the growing integration of this feature in future models.
[Reference: TechRadar]
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