Apple Introducing New Internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Introducing New Internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool

Apple is introducing a new internal USB-C Diagnostic Tool as a successor to its existing Serial Number Reader, which can be used to both collect a device's serial number directly from its logic board and test power on a device itself.

USB C Serial Number Reader

Image via Giulio Zompetti

With only a Lightning version previously available, images have surfaced of a new USB-C Diagnostic Tool (UDT) that appears to be known as "ChimpSWD" internally. The new tool was produced for compatibility with Apple's iPad Pro lineup, which has been USB-C based since 2018.


Based on the above information, it appears a technician should connect the UDT to the Hardware Diagnostic Interface (HDI) Mac using the appropriate cable and the other end to the target device to correctly utilize the new tool and obtain diagnostic information.

Apple has informed service providers that its Apple Service Toolkit 2 diagnostic system has been updated to support HDI Serial Number Reader for the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro using the new USB-C Diagnostic Tool. Support for the latest second-generation 11-inch model and fourth-generation 12.9-inch model will follow at a later date.

Popular Stories

macworld iphone 18 pro colors

iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry'

Friday April 17, 2026 3:50 am PDT by
A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain today revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable iPhone. Image via Macworld. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Wednesday April 15, 2026 8:15 am PDT by
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code...
Apple Event Logo

Apple to Unveil All-New Product Category Later This Year

Thursday April 16, 2026 7:21 am PDT by
Apple is aiming to enter a new product category by unveiling its first pair of smart glasses in late 2026 or early 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In any case, he expects the glasses to be released at some point next year. Like the Meta Ray-Bans, Gurman said Apple's glasses will have built-in cameras that let users capture photos and videos. He also expects the glasses to have...

Top Rated Comments

Fusionskies Avatar
77 months ago
I used to use SNR's all the time when I worked for an APR. They were really cool pieces of equipment, really handy when devices could not be powered on. Sometimes they could be temperamental and didn't read if there was slight damage to the dock, fortunately apple still etches the IMEI onto the sim card tray, so that can be used in placement if a SN cannot be gathered.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)