System Management Controller

The System Management Controller (SMC) is a subsystem of Intel and Apple silicon-based Macintosh computers. It is similar in function to the older SMU or PMU of PowerPC based Macintosh computers.

Overview
The SMC has roles in controlling thermal and power management, battery charging, video mode switching, sleep and wake, hibernation, and LED indicators. It also enables enforcement of the macOS End User License, allowing macOS to identify when it is running on non-Apple hardware.