Apple is planning to implement an innovative new system that allows retail store staff to wirelessly update iPhones inside their sealed boxes, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The system features a “proprietary pad-like device” that retail store staff can place a sealed iPhone box on top of. The system then wirelessly turns on the iPhone, updates its software to the latest version, and powers it off, with no need to open the device’s packaging.
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Why is Apple Doing This?
Apple wants customers to receive iPhones with the latest version of iOS to avoid users having to update themselves, especially if important updates have been pushed to address high-profile bugs.
For example, the iPhone 15 lineup shipped with iOS 17, but iOS 17.0.1 was already available upon its launch and the devices required an update to iOS 17.0.2 to fix an issue that prevented the transfer of data directly from another iPhone during the setup process. Apple also wants to be able to fix any issues with new iPhones quickly before a customer buys an iPhone that is on the shelf.
Apple stores will update iOS on iPhones before the sale:
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— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 15, 2023
When Will This System Be Available?
Apple aims to implement the system at its retail stores before the end of 2023. As of now, there is no information on which iPhone models will be eligible for this system, but it is likely that the new iPhone 15 models are supported. There is also potential for this concept to extend to other products in Apple’s vast catalogue.
How Will This System Affect Customers?
This system will streamline the iPhone purchasing experience by eliminating any immediate update hassles for customers. Customers will get up-to-date iPhones out of the box when they leave the Apple store, saving them time and frustration. This system will also ensure that customers get the best performance and security from their iPhones, as they will always have the latest software version installed.
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How Can Customers Update Their iPhones After Purchase?
Customers can still update their iPhones after purchase using the App Store or iTunes on their Mac or PC. To update from the App Store, customers can choose Apple menu > App Store, then click Updates in the sidebar.
To update from iTunes, customers can connect their iPhone to their computer, open iTunes, select their device, and click Check for Update. Customers can also enable automatic updates on their iPhones by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.