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ApplePatent applicationSecurity & privacyInterest 4/10

Apple patents system for setting different control levels for paired devices

This filing describes a method where a main device, such as a smart home hub, assigns different levels of control to various wireless devices that connect to it. When a new device pairs, the host gives it specific permissions that may differ from those granted to previously connected devices. The system also allows the host to ask an authorized administrator device for permission before performing certain actions.

Why it mattersThis could make it easier to manage who can control shared devices in a home or office, ensuring that only approved users have access to sensitive functions.

In the filing’s own words

Disclosed herein is a technique for managing permissions associated with the control of a host device that are provided to a group of wireless devices. The host device is configured to pair with a first wireless device. In response to pairing with the first wireless device, the host device grants a first level of permissions for controlling the host device to the first wireless device. Subsequently, the host device can receive a second request from a second wireless device to pair with the host device. In response to pairing with the second wireless device, the host device can grant a second level of permissions for controlling the host device to second wireless device, where the second level of permissions is distinct from the first level of permissions.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method for managing access to a host device, the method comprising, by the host device: receiving, from an electronic device, a first request for the host device to perform at least one action; determining that the host device is not authorized to perform the at least one action; identifying at least one administrative device that is authorized to permit the host device to perform the at least one action; displaying, by way of at least one user interface on a display device with which the host device is communicatively coupled, an indication that the host device is awaiting an authorization to perform the at least one action; providing, to the at least one administrative device, a second request for permitting the host device to perform the at least one action; and in response to receiving an approval of the second request, performing the at least one action.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
MANAGING PERMISSIONS FOR DIFFERENT WIRELESS DEVICES TO CONTROL A COMMON HOST DEVICE
Publication number
US20260278066A1
Application number
19670822
Filed
May 7, 2026
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 21/44 Physics & computingG06F 21/604 Physics & computingH04L 9/32 Electricity & electronicsH04L 9/3247 Electricity & electronicsH04L 63/0876 Electricity & electronicsH04L 65/61 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.