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

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:
Popular Stories
With the Apple Watch Series 12 now just two months away, we have created a recap of rumored new features, with some more likely than others.
Below, we have outlined everything rumored so far for the Apple Watch Series 12.
More Likely
New Chip After One-Year Hiatus
While the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all contain the same S10 chip as the previous...
Apple today highlighted the SOS feature in the Apple Watch, publishing a short video featuring a man named Phil, who crashed while mountain biking.
Phil was biking with his two young children when he had an accident and was knocked unconscious. His Apple Watch detected the fall, calling emergency services and alerting his wife.
He ended up breaking his collarbone and seven ribs, but was...
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this year. Spoiler alert: not very much.
While it was rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch Series 12, Gurman said he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. Touch ID probably counts ...