Apple’s first beta of the MacOS 13 Ventura includes a feature seemingly designed to address tampering fears. It’ll make USB-C and Thunderbolt accessories explicitly ask for your permission before they can communicate with MacBooks powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 chips.

The feature was released in Apple’s release notes. The feature has been described as a feature of Apple’s new software.

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 does n’t apply to power adapters, standalone displays, or connections to an approved hub.

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.

Accessories attached prior to rebooting the Mac are allowed automatically. New accessories will not be remembered until connected to an unlocked Mac.

Apple is n’t trying to create a new certification – you’re the one in control. Your MacBooks will still charge just fine, they’ll still connect to external displays. You can turn the whole thing off if you do n’t want to get bugged.

The USB Implementers’ forum launched in 2019, which required companies adopt an’USB Type-C authentication program’. It gave each USB device an encrypted certificate to verify its identity and confirm its capabilities.

The USB-IF’s idea was trying to combat’inappropriate power’. The gadgets are overloading their USB ports with too much electricity.