Macs can now detect liquids in USB-C ports

Manzana implemented a function that Detects liquid leaks from your Mac’s USB-C port. Like the iPhone, Macs have a system feature that scans ports to determine if they have been exposed to liquids. Program running in the background and records information, although it does not issue any warnings to the user.

The above was found 9to5Macwho mentions this macOS Sonoma 14.1 includes a system process designated as “Fluid Detection and Corrosion Prevention Demon”. The program runs in the background and Collect data from every USB-C port on your Mac. According to the report, the program is intended for analytical purposes and is not associated with end-user functions.

It is possible that the technology company will use this information to determine whether a spill has occurred. Apple laptops and some accessories have indicators that determine whether the product has been exposed to liquids that could affect its performance. In this case, only those with an extended AppleCare+ warranty will be able to request repairs.

While there are no details about notifications for Mac, Apple could follow the iPhone’s path and implement a system alert when liquids are present. Cupertino recently updated its Mac lineup with new M3 chips that promise better performance without sacrificing battery life.

How Mac Liquid Detector Works

According to the support website, liquid contact indicators (LCIs) are included on Mac laptops, as well as wired and wireless keyboards. If you spill coffee or soda, the LCI will change color. In the case of the iPhone and iPad, Apple has added an additional step of protection in which the user is notified of the presence of liquid in the connectors.

“If you see one of these notifications, it means iPhone has detected liquid in the Lightning or USB-C connector, or in the Lightning cable or accessory. To protect your iPhone and accessory, do not charge or connect accessories until the connector, cable ends, and accessory are dry,” he says.

exist two types of warning: one for connector and one for port. If the connector is wet, you should dry it before reconnecting it as it may corrode and cause permanent damage. When there is liquid in the USB-C port, the device triggers a full-screen notification that the user is prompted to disconnect the cable and wait for the iPhone or iPad to dry.

Liquid alerts are not always related to spills or splashes. You’ll probably get them when you use your iPhone, iPad or accessory in a humid environment – for example in the bathroom or kitchen – or when the device is subject to a sudden change in temperature or atmospheric pressure.

Some iPad Pro users have noted that they receive these alerts without exposing the tablet to extreme conditions. The iPad Pro subreddit details instances of intermittent notifications after updating to iPadOS 16.5, which can be resolved by trying different cables or contacting Apple tech support.