Apple-Device-Support Leak Questions

APFS is a file system that supports encryption at the volume level. Each volume has its own encryption key, called the Volume Encryption Key (VEK), which is stored in the APFS container metadata and protected by another key, called the Key Encryption Key (KEK). The KEK is derived from the user’s password and wrapped by a secure token, which is a feature that ensures only authorized users can access the encrypted data. According to the Apple Device Support Reference Materials12, the following scenarios cause APFS volumes to generate encryption keys:

• During user creation. When a new user is created on an APFS volume, a secure token is generated for that user and a KEK is derived from the user’s password. The KEK is used to encrypt the VEK and store it in the metadata.
• During the first user’s password creation. When the first user on an APFS volume sets their password, a secure token is granted to that user and a KEK is derived from the password. The KEK is used to encrypt the VEK and store it in the metadata.
• After erase content and setting. When a user erases all content and settings on an APFS volume, the VEK and the KEK are deleted and new ones are generated. The new VEK is encrypted with the new KEK and stored in the metadata.

References:

• Use secure token, bootstrap token, and volume ownership in deployments.
• Data Protection in Apple devices.

 Some universal apps (apps that don’t need Rosetta) include the setting “Open using Rosetta.” This setting enables a universal app such as a web browser to use plug-ins, extensions, or other add-ons that do need Rosetta, because they haven’t been updated to support Apple silicon. If a universal app doesn’t recognize an add-on that you installed for the app, you can quit the app, select this setting, and try again. To do this, you need to open the app’s Get Info window and check the box labeled “Open using Rosetta”. References: If you need to install Rosetta on your Mac - Apple Support, How to force universal Mac apps to run under Rosetta emulation, How to Launch the Intel Version of a Universal Apple Silicon App

 The next step in troubleshooting the app’s issue is to upgrade to the latest version of the app. This can help resolve any compatibility issues, bugs, or performance problems that the app may have with your version of macOS1. You can check for updates to your software by opening the App Store and looking at the Updates section for apps that you got from the App Store, or by visiting the app developer’s website for apps that you got from another source1. Upgrading to the latest version of the app may also provide new features or enhancements that can improve your user experience2.

Creating a new file, removing the preference file, reinstalling or upgrading macOS, or troubleshooting application preferences are not the best options for this scenario, as they may not address the root cause of the app’s issue, or they may be too drastic or time-consuming. Creating a new file may not help if the app quits regardless of the file type or content3. Removing the preference file may delete your custom settings or preferences for the app, and it may not fix the issue if the app has a problem with its code or resources4. Reinstalling or upgrading macOS may erase your data or settings, and it may not be necessary if the issue is specific to the app and not the operating system5. Troubleshooting application preferences may be useful if the app has a problem with its configuration or options, but it may not work if the app has a problem with its compatibility or functionality.

References: 1: If an app on your Mac stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or won’t open - Apple Support. 2: How to Fix Crashing Apps on a Mac - How-To Geek. 3: If an app freezes or quits unexpectedly on Mac - Apple Support. 4: How to Reset Mac App Preferences to Their Default Settings - Make Tech Easier. 5: How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support. : How to troubleshoot preferences in Mac OS X - Adobe Support.

If you forgot your passcode and your iPhone is disabled, you need to erase your iPhone and set it up again. The only way to do this is to put your iPhone in recovery mode and connect it to a computer with iTunes or Finder. This will erase all your data and settings, including the passcode, and install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS on your iPhone. You can then restore your data and settings from a backup, if you have one, or set up your iPhone as a new device. To put your iPhone in recovery mode, you need to follow these steps:

• Make sure that your iPhone is not connected to your computer, then turn it off completely.
• Press and hold the correct button for your iPhone model while connecting it to your computer. For iPhone 8 and later, use the side button. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, use the volume down button. For iPhone 6s and earlier, use the home button.
• Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone, then release the button. The recovery mode screen shows a cable and a computer icon.
• On your computer, open iTunes or Finder and locate your iPhone. You should see a message that says there is a problem with your iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.
• Choose Restore to erase your iPhone and install the latest software. This may take some time, so do not disconnect your iPhone until the process is complete.
• After your iPhone is restored, you can set it up again using the onscreen instructions. You can choose to restore from a backup or set up as a new device.

References: = If you forgot your iPhone passcode; Apple Device Support Exam Prep Guide, page 8.