It is at the bend of the description technique from the secure enclave that we learn that the A12, A13, S4 and S5 chips of the products released during the fall of 2020 integrate a second generation storage component. Until then, previous devices with Apple’s in-house system-on-a-chip had a first-generation component for their secure enclave.
This secure storage is essential for the proper functioning of the enclave, since it keeps the data and keys essential for unlocking a device and identifying the user (in Apple Pay, for example) warm. .
The manufacturer’s description is confusing, there were no terminals equipped with A13 chip launched last fall (the iPhone SE was entitled to it, but it was released in the spring). On the other hand, the HomePod mini and the Apple Watch SE, which integrate S5 chips, as well as the 8th gen iPad. (A12) are concerned.
But maybe Apple is referring to already existing devices that were in production last fall. In which case, that would mean that the iPhone 11 (A13), XR (A12), iPhone SE as well as the iPad mini 5th gen. (A12) carry this second generation storage. We imagine that this is also the case for the iPhone 12 and iPad Air (A14) and Apple Watch Series 6 (S6).
Apple provides a summary table to navigate, unfortunately it is noted that the S4 chip – the one that equips the Apple Watch Series 4 – is still content with a first generation component. A connected watch whose marketing ceased in September 2019. It is the only product to work with an S4 chip… In short, we are scratching our heads a little, but Apple will perhaps light up our lantern in a future update of the document.
It remains to be seen what this second-generation storage component does. Computer security enthusiasts will love Apple’s description, but in essence Apple has made it more secure by tightening the screws on data access; the manufacturer has in particular in its sights the GrayKey cases which try to penetrate by force into an iOS device to siphon the data.
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