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ApplePatent applicationSecurity & privacyInterest 3/10

Apple patents data center boot system with backup startup files

Apple describes a controller design for data centers that uses two separate startup programs to ensure the device boots correctly. One program is installed during manufacturing, while the other has two copies stored in different memory areas so the system can pick a working version if one fails.

Why it mattersThis improves the reliability of critical infrastructure by ensuring servers and controllers can start up even if one part of the startup code is corrupted.

In the filing’s own words

Embodiments relate to supporting a bootloader for a controller, where the bootloader includes a first partial bootloader stored in a first bootloader storage area at a manufacturing time before the controller is deployed and a second partial bootloader with a first copy stored in a second bootloader storage area and a second copy stored in a third bootloader storage area. The first partial bootloader can boot a selected copy of the second partial bootloader being selected from the first copy and the second copy of the second partial bootloader. The selected copy of the second partial bootloader can boot a firmware for an application operated by the controller.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A controller, comprising: a bootloader comprising a first partial bootloader and a second partial bootloader; a storage device comprising a first bootloader storage area, a second bootloader storage area, a third bootloader storage area, and a data storage area, wherein: the first bootloader storage area is configured to store the first partial bootloader at a manufacturing time before the controller is deployed, the data storage area is configured to store security data provided at the manufacturing time, wherein the security data is provided for security operations performed by the first partial bootloader, the second bootloader storage area is configured to store a first copy of the second partial bootloader, the third bootloader storage area is configured to store a second copy of the second partial bootloader, and wherein the first partial bootloader is configured to boot a selected copy of the second partial bootloader, wherein the selected copy of the second partial bootloader is selected from the first copy of the second partial bootloader and the second copy of the second partial bootloader, and the selected copy of the second partial bootloader is configured to boot a firmware for an application operated by the controller in response to the selected copy of the second partial bootloader being in operation.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
DATA CENTER COMPUTING SYSTEM WITH SECURE BOOT FUNCTIONS
Publication number
US20260278107A1
Application number
19555534
Filed
Mar 3, 2026
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 21/575 Physics & computingG06F 9/4401 Physics & computingG06F 2221/034 Physics & computing
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.