SwitchBoard.app
This article discusses software internally used by Apple. Acquiring a copy without Apple's consent is illegal and may result in being scammed. |
This page is about the internal app launcher. For the internal app store, see Switchboard (App Store).
SwitchBoard.app is one of Apple's internal utilities. It's a simple launcher of other utilities. Generally, it's the same set of applications (new test apps are created to test new features). It's usually located in the /AppleInternal/Applications folder along other internal applications. It usually finds the applications it needs to load in /AppleInternal/Applications/SwitchBoard/.
SwitchBoard and diagnostic utilities are copied onto the device during restore from special firmware bundles which are seeded only to Apple official service centers. It may be installed onto devices through PurpleRestore. Switchboard and its internal utilities are, in fact, present on all iDevices during manufacturing. The utilities run extensive tests on the devices, including sensors, thermal measurements and more - and only when all tests pass do the devices go through a final stage, which involves removing the debug utilities and installing the stock version of iOS.
Gallery
iPhone 3GS running Sierra 7C108b
iPhone 4 running ApexNanshan 8A2130h
iPod touch running Inferno 7C1023e
iPad running SwitchBoard
Original iPhone prototype running Alpine 4A57
iPhone 5 running Sundance 10A23110z
iPhone 6 running Okemo 12A93311h
Prototype iPhone 7 running Whitetail 14A92340t
The file structure of SwitchBoard.app:
Entitlements.plist SwitchBoard Info.plist SwitchBoard-Settings.plist PkgInfo _CodeSignature ResourceRules.plist com.apple.SwitchBoard.plist
