Apple recently unveiled macOS Ventura at WWDC 22. Highlights of the update include Stage Manager, gaming improvements, enhanced continuity features, and updates to Safari, Mail, Spotlight, Messages, and more. One tidbit about macOS 13 that was discovered after the keynote in release notes published by Apple is the improved security of USB-C and Thunderbolt connectivity.
macOS Ventura will make connectivity much safer for MacBooks with this feature
As per the release notes, users running macOS Ventura on MacBooks with an Apple Silicon processor like the M1, M1 Pro chip, etc, will not be required to give their permission before USB-C and Thunderbolt accessories can communicate with the laptop.
On portable Mac computers with Apple silicon, new USB and Thunderbolt accessories require user approval before the accessory can communicate with macOS for connections wired directly to the USB-C port. This doesn’t apply to power adapters, standalone displays, or connections to an approved hub. Devices can still charge if you choose Don’t Allow.
There are a few exceptions to the feature like power adapters and standalone displays. In addition, previously approved connections will not require further confirmation.
Although devices connected to the MacBook will still charge without permission for transmission, data transfer and similar functionality will not be allowed to occur unless a user allows it. Once a device is approved by a user, it can connect to a locked MacBook for a maximum of three days before it needs to be approved again.
You can change the security configuration in System Settings > Security and Privacy > Security. The initial configuration is Ask for new accessories. Configuring an accessibility Switch Control sets the policy to always allow accessory use. Approved devices can connect to a locked Mac for up to three days.
macOS Ventura will be released to the general public in the fall alongside the iPhone 14 lineup. The first developer beta of the update has been released for developers and a public beta will become available in July.
Read more:
- iOS 16 announced – lock screen customization, widgets, and updates to Safari, Mail, Maps and more
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- Next-generation Apple Silicon, M2 chip is finally announced at WWDC 22
- iPadOS 16 announced – Weather app, Freeform, Pro features, improvements to multitasking and more
- watchOS 9 introduces new watch faces, sleep stages, AFib History feature and more
