Secure device identification protocol with autonomous determination of specific class and capabilities of an electronic device cradle connected to an electronic device

An electronic device comprises: a memory having one or more class capabilities look-up tables; a communication port that enables connection of the electronic device to a device interface mechanism of a cradle accessory; an accessory authentication mechanism including configuration logic that, responsive to detection of an electrical coupling of the electronic device to the cradle accessory: initiates an authentication protocol that authenticates the cradle as an approved device for communicatively connecting with the electronic device; receives, from the cradle, N device status bits having a first set of M class bits that identify a class type of the cradle and a second set of P capabilities bits that identify which capabilities available to devices in that class type are supported by the cradle; and activates, on the electronic device and cradle, the one or more specific capabilities supported by the cradle, based on the class type and associated capabilities.