Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated] - MacRumors
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Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated]

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The Apple Watch became available for pre-orders on Friday as well as for try-on appointments in Apple retail stores around the world.

One MacRumors reader, Louis, was able to slip off the bottom band during his Apple Watch try-on appointment to discover that the hidden diagnostic port on early models still remains in the retail versions.

diagnostic-apple-watch
The presence of the diagnostic port was first reported in March by TechCrunch with speculation that it could eventually open up the market for "smart" band accessories that can interface with the Apple Watch, itself. Apple, however, has made no such promises and doesn't even acknowledge the presence of the port in any official documentation. Louis also reports the retail staff had no training on the use of the port.

Thanks Louis

Update: John Gruber notes that his review unit has the port, but it is covered up:

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

D
dilap
144 months ago
This could only be in the store versions, so they can load the demo software.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Brian Y
144 months ago
How do we know they're using retail models?
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JoEw Avatar
JoEw
144 months ago
It's coming, the Mophie :apple:Watch battery strap. :rolleyes:
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kdarling Avatar
kdarling
144 months ago
John Gruber tweeted that his port was covered up.

Neat. The photo gives the model number: A1554.

Just checked the FCC. No entry for the Apple Watch yet.

--

Although... there are already entries for two magnetic charging cables: A1570 and A1598.

APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE
MODEL NUMBER: A1598


--
OH. And hmm, what's this? An entry for:

APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING BRACELET
MODEL NUMBER: A1626



That's a bit different looking. Can't tell if that's a side view, top view or what it is. It also has an unusually small version above the larger more readable one.

The "Apple Confidential" is unusual for this document type, too. This is extra odd.

And why is it called a "BRACELET" ? Is it for store displays? For consumer use? Any guesses?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
entropys Avatar
entropys
144 months ago
They will be as useful as those old USB ports that were on Apple TVs.

Hope I'm wrong.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rorschach Avatar
rorschach
144 months ago
I think it's safe to assume they are. Apple doesn't put anything on the floor that isn't final product.

Like the 32GB iPhone 6 models that are on the floor for demos?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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