How to Use the Command 'ideviceinfo' (with Examples)

The ideviceinfo command is a powerful tool used in the realm of Apple devices for retrieving various information about connected iOS devices. Typically utilized by developers, IT support teams, and tech enthusiasts, this command provides comprehensive insights into the hardware and software specifications of iPhones, iPads, or iPods that are linked to a computer via a USB connection. By interfacing with Apple’s iOS devices, ideviceinfo can fetch a detailed information list, including critical device identifiers, version numbers, network configurations, and much more.

Use Case 1: Display Detailed Information About the Connected Device

Code:

ideviceinfo

Motivation:

The motivation behind using the ideviceinfo command without any additional parameters is rooted in its ability to quickly and effortlessly display a comprehensive set of data about the first iOS device connected to the system through USB. This is particularly useful for developers and technical professionals who need to capture device details for testing applications, managing device inventory, diagnosing device issues, or simply verifying device specifications. For instance, understanding the exact iOS version or the hardware model can be crucial for software testing and compatibility assessments.

Explanation:

• The command ideviceinfo when executed without additional arguments defaults to pulling detailed information of the first detected iOS device connected to the system. It does not require any additional options because its purpose in this basic form is straightforward: to provide an extensive overview of the connected device, which may include information about the device’s model, serial number, operating system version, and more.

Example Output:

ActivationState: Activated
BasebandVersion: 5.00.03
BluetoothAddress: 00:00:00:00:00:00
BuildVersion: 18E199
DeviceClass: iPhone
DeviceName: John’s iPhone
HardwareModel: N104AP
ProductType: iPhone12,1
ProductVersion: 14.4
UniqueDeviceID: 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000
WiFiAddress: 00:00:00:00:00:00

Use Case 2: Show Information About a Specific Device by UDID

Code:

ideviceinfo --udid device_udid

Motivation:

In environments where multiple iOS devices are connected simultaneously, discerning their information individually becomes imperative. This is where specifying a device by its Unique Device Identifier (UDID) becomes critical. By using the --udid flag, a user is empowered to request information about a specific device, thus improving precision and efficiency in managing multiple devices. This capability is particularly beneficial in operational setups like development labs or support stations where numerous devices may be tethered concurrently, each requiring distinct attention or configuration validation.

Explanation:

• --udid device_udid: The flag --udid is utilized to precisely target a singular, identified device by its unique identifier, which is a distinctive alphanumeric string known as the UDID. This parameter effectively instructs ideviceinfo to bypass the automatic selection process and focus its data retrieval efforts on the specified device.

Example Output:

ActivationState: Activated
BasebandVersion: 4.03.02
BluetoothAddress: 00:11:22:33:44:55
BuildVersion: 18D61
DeviceClass: iPhone
DeviceName: Mike’s iPhone
HardwareModel: N69uAP
ProductType: iPhone11,6
ProductVersion: 14.4
UniqueDeviceID: 1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef12345678
WiFiAddress: 01:23:45:67:89:AB

Conclusion

The ideviceinfo command serves as a vital tool for extracting detailed information from iOS devices connected to a computer. In both solitary and multi-device environments, understanding how to deploy this command effectively enhances the ability to manage, assess, and utilize Apple devices. Whether used in its basic form to gather information on the first connected device or employed with the --udid flag to zero in on specific devices, ideviceinfo offers the data clarity necessary for decision-making in a tech-driven world.