Apple Watch Series 7 Supports 60.5GHz Wireless Data Transfer, But Likely for Apple's Internal Use Only

[MacRumors]

Apple Watch Series 7 models are equipped with a new module that enables 60.5GHz wireless data transfer, according to FCC filings viewed by MacRumors, but this functionality may be reserved for Apple's internal use only for now.

The filings indicate that the 60.5GHz module is only activated when the Apple Watch is placed on a proprietary magnetic dock with a corresponding 60.5GHz module, but this dock will likely be reserved for use by Apple employees. For example, it's possible that Apple Stores might use the dock to wirelessly restore an Apple Watch, and if so, it will be interesting to see if Series 7 models still have a hidden diagnostic port for wired connectivity.

The dock has a model number of A2687 and it is powered by a USB-C port, according to the filings, which were first spotted by Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Tom O'Malley. The filings were submitted in late August and made available last week.

Here is the FCC label image for the dock:

It's unclear how fast the Apple Watch's wireless data transfer would be, but our understanding is that USB 2.0 speeds up to 480 Mbps might be possible. It's also unclear if the technology will ever be made available as a consumer-facing feature on the Apple Watch or other Apple products in the future, such as a long-rumored portless iPhone.

Apple hasn't announced a release date for the Apple Watch Series 7 yet, and there still isn't a tech specs page for the new models on the company's website. Apple has only said the Series 7 models will be "available later this fall."

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 7 Supports 60.5GHz Wireless Data Transfer, But Likely for Apple's Internal Use Only

 

[macsplusmacs]

And later it will be turned on for AR / VR goggles motion support??????

 

[easy4lif]

Im more interested to know when the new watches go on preorder!

 

[_Spinn_]

Im more interested to know when the new watches go on preorder!

Me too. I was disappointed when it was announced as coming "this fall."

 

[fwmireault]

I wonder what would be the possible use of that. It’s not like Apple Watch stores that much data locally.

 

[julesme]

The ambiguous launch date reminds me of the original Watch: If I remember right, it was announced in the fall with a vague "spring 2015" release timing. Hopefully it's only October this time...

 

[kalafalas]

So this is how they are going to add data transfer to MagSafe and ditch the lightning port altogether. Personally I’d rather they just add a stupid C port to the phone already

 

[n3sh]

TELL ME THE AVAILABILITY DATE!!!!!

 

[jz0309]

60GHz? Why? Wifi is 2.4 and 5, 5G goes up to 6. Definitely proprietary …
or could it be to test “enhanced” wireless charging?

 

[greenbreadmmm]

Isn't 60ghz the frequency that oxygen and iron and all the hemoglobin stuff occurs at?

This is oddly specific band to include..

 

[jwardell]

I wouldn't be surprised that this ends up in future iPhones that remove the lightning port, for fast data over magsafe.

 

[RFolk]

Yeah I’m buying one. Hopefully this year. I am glad that they have not put out that square shape form.

 

[Kylo83]

I sold my series 6 so now have no watch so hurry up and release them

 

[tobybrut]

I wonder what would be the possible use of that. It’s not like Apple Watch stores that much data locally.

The transmission speed has been rumored for a couple of years now for Apple’s AR goggles/glasses because WiFi and Bluetooth are too slow for the amount of date needed. While this is totally expected for the iPhone, which will probably be needed to tether to the glasses, the revelation that the protocol is included in the Apple Watch tells us two things. The glasses may be coming sooner than later (next year probably before September) and that the watch can be used to control the glasses. Note that the glasses may not have multiple methods of communication to hold costs down, so they may have needed to add to the watch to avoid giving the glasses Bluetooth or some other low-speed alternative.

 

[Metrosey]

TELL ME THE AVAILABILITY DATE!!!!!

Will you take us to mount splashmore?

 

[HiVolt]

Maybe at some point it will allow faster watch updates and local firmware restoration/downgrade function.

 

[mariusignorello]

They’ll keep it internal so you have to send devices in for repair. The powerless iPhone will be the same. It’s nice to be able to restore devices like HomePod yourself instead of the hassle of sending it in but Apple would love to make users helpless.

 

[nt5672]

Likely for use by Apple and the NSA/FBI/CIA.

There is a reason that there has been no reported conflicts between Apple's privacy implementations and the US Government. For those that need it spelled out, there is NO conflict, Apple is in perfect compliance.

 

[ElectricPotato]

60GHz? Why? Wifi is 2.4 and 5, 5G goes up to 6. Definitely proprietary …
or could it be to test “enhanced” wireless charging?

60GHz carries more data over a short distance. It is the same band used by some 4K TVs so the user does not have to run unsightly HDMI cables to a wall mounted TV.

 

[jaytv111]

For reference, 802.11ad wireless offers 10 Gbps data over 60 GHz wireless, 802.11ay is up to 40 Gbps over the same frequency. Those are called Wigig and offer short range but high speed data and it could replace wired connections if reliable enough.

 

[Piggie]

TELL ME THE AVAILABILITY DATE!!!!!

Given them time please.
They are having to swap around the manufacturing plant from the model they were going to launch, and gear it back up to produce this slightly modified older design.
I'm sure, when they have got this last minute swap around all done, and they are able to go back to this 'fall back' design, and they are coming off the production line successfully, then Apple will be able to finally let customers know when we might expect to be able to buy one.

 

[rpmurray]

Cue the class action because the owners of the watches aren't getting the full speed the watch is capable of.

 

[xmach]

For reference, 802.11ad wireless offers 10 Gbps data over 60 GHz wireless, 802.11ay is up to 40 Gbps over the same frequency. Those are called Wigig and offer short range but high speed data and it could replace wired connections if reliable enough.

Yes, I was thinking this too.
Is there any way to determine whether this is WiGig, either the older 802.11ad or its still-in-development 802.11ay successor?

 

[nowast3ddays]

Given them time please.
They are having to swap around the manufacturing plant from the model they were going to launch, and gear it back up to produce this slightly modified older design.
I'm sure, when they have got this last minute swap around all done, and they are able to go back to this 'fall back' design, and they are coming off the production line successfully, then Apple will be able to finally let customers know when we might expect to be able to buy one.

Nah, highly doubt this, the rumors are way overblown. Much more likely that this design was the Plan A and they just had delays due to new chassis (yes, the chassis is redesigned, despite what lazy rumor mongers have been saying), new display and glass, or microchips being prioritized for iPhones due to the current shortage.

 

[easy4lif]

I have a theory that the flat watch series 7 all the rumor sites hyped up was ready to go until that production snag issue popped up. The issue must have been large enough that Apple decided to go with "plan B" which is the watch they announced at the streaming event. Since its a "plan B" watch, production is trying to catch up. I don't expect this watch to go on sale till one week before Apples MacBook Pro event in Mid November.