Apple T2

The Apple T2 chip is a SoC from Apple first released in the iMac Pro 2017. Since then, it has since been rolled out into the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini.

Design

It is a 64-bit ARMv8 chip, more specifically a variant of Apple's A10 (T8010) processor used in the iPhone 7, among other devices. It has been specifically designed to run within its own a separate operating system called bridgeOS 2.0, which is a watchOS derivative. On July 12, 2018, Apple released an updated MacBook Pro that includes the T2 chip, which among other things enables the "Hey Siri" feature. On November 7, 2018, Apple released an updated Mac mini and MacBook Air with the T2 chip.

Functionality

The T2 chip provides a secure enclave for encrypted keys, gives users the ability to lock down the computer's boot process, handles system functions like the camera and audio control, and handles on-the-fly encryption and decryption for the solid-state drive. T2 also delivers "enhanced imaging processing" for the iMac Pro's FaceTime HD camera.

Controversy

After its initial release, the chip