I've written a MacOS kernel extension. The API is a underdocumented mess. I understand why they would want to remove it, even it is just to eliminate the API burden, but, that means the last resort to add functionality that Apple hasn't deemed appropriate is closed off.<p>That's truly unfortunate.
While I understand the argument for removing kernel extensions, I don't think I can agree with it. It should be possible to run your own software at the kernel privilege level. There are usecases where that's essential, and for the long term it ensures that the whole system does not become overly closed.
There are operating systems specifically made to allow for tinkering with the internals. Mac OS, and Windows are not among these. Over time, each has allowed the user to control fewer aspects of the system. And there's nothing the users can do to stop it. What are they going to do, switch to Linux or BSD? Hah. Anybody who hasn't bailed already is stuck forever with their platform of choice, I would say.
So... is Apple going to develop drivers for all possible peripherals?<p>For USB you have libusb I guess (not sure if that covers all us cases), but Thunderbolt is a full-on PCIe bus isn't it?