Apple's mystery internal network adapter probably isn't for public use

Posted:
in Future Apple Hardware
More images of a mystery Apple network adapter have surfaced in regulatory filings, with the unknown hardware appearing not to be a device to be sold to the public at all.




In May, FCC filings revealed Apple had created a "Network Adapter," with an unusual set of specifications. In new images, it seems that the device has very little chance of being used by the public at all.

Photographs of the device, identified as "A2657," on the Taiwan NCC registration database show a compact dark-colored box, approximately four inches in length, over an inch wide, and roughly the same thickness.

On one end is an Ethernet connection with what appears to be a button, while the other has the same Ethernet port and a USB-C connection in white. The entire length of the enclosure has a very visible seam, as if the device can be split into two sections, but it probably doesn't have that capability.

Ethernet connections appear on each end of the device.
Ethernet connections appear on each end of the device.


On the top is the Apple logo, along with the words "For Development Use Only" and a pair of QR codes, though while one simply communicates a printed reference number, the other seemingly doesn't include any usable data. The QR codes are, as the text suggests, probably meant for internal Apple use.

At the time of its discovery, the device was found to include support for Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth, as well as 32GB of memory and 1.5GB of memory. It was also thought to run software, possibly a version of iOS, due to the mention of firmware.

While there was some confusion as to what the device actually was when it first surfaced, the images cement the idea that this is not going to be an item sold to the public. It is probably either a device for use in retail or internally as part of a development or testing process.

A view of the labels on the mystery Apple network adapter.
A view of the labels on the mystery Apple network adapter.


Given the dual Ethernet ports at either end and the extra USB-C connection, it's possible that it could be used to manage or monitor network traffic.

Apple does regularly submit hardware for testing, following regulations for devices, but while most reports are for items intended for sale to the public, sometimes it's for devices that are for Apple's own usage. This seems to be the case for this particular item.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    GregMcDGregMcD Posts: 3member
    The right-hand QR code would appear to be a HomeKit code.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 5
    danoxdanox Posts: 2,804member
    Which why Steve Jobs announced the original iPhone six months early, it needed to go into the FCC for approvals.
    swat671watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 5
    emoelleremoeller Posts: 574member
    I suspect this is a Digital Private Network device (DPN).  Similar to some of these...

    https://www.amazon.com/Deeper-Network-Connect-Unlimited-Protection/dp/B08BY6M4K8

    https://shop.deeper.network

    This is essentially a hardware VPN using blockchain technology that closes the security holes in traditional VPN/ISP/Router setups.  This tech is in its infancy....

    It most likely will be used internally by Apple (retail as well as within the company) and not available to the public.  But if it works as advertised it could be a product down the road that would provide very high security when accessing the internet.
    appleinsideruserJapheywatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 5
    Per emoeller and the article, this is probably part of Apple's internal security implementation for work-from-home employees. Apple had a RSI-based system for a VPN ages ago. I would imagine this device is a step toward something better. As stated in the article, it might never see a retail SKU in its current form but who knows? Might, eventually in another form.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 5
    swat671swat671 Posts: 150member
    Wonder if it could be an Ethernet to USB-C adaptor…
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