How do they install WatchOS 7 to all watches in the boxes by Friday?

[iBug2]

The GM was seeded 2 days ago. They can't just install the GM before it is declared the GM. But these watches should have been boxed a long time ago and shipped to stores all around the world.

Or does Apple simply start shipping the watches everywhere in the world on Wednesday?

 

[Apple_Robert]

They already have WatchOS 7 installed, (from my understanding) per seeing several hands on review videos.

 

[rKunda]

Something tells me Apple has early access to their own software...

 

[bodonnell202]

Pretty sure the GM was made available at the factory before it was seeded to developers and beta testers.

 

[iBug2]

Pretty sure the GM was made available at the factory before it was seeded to developers and beta testers.

Sure but how early? A week? Doubt it.

 

[Bigdog9586]

I’m betting they don’t. I dont how many times I’ve backed up my old iPhone with the new software when new one is coming in the mail. Then I always have to jump through the hoops as it’s ne got the new software. I’d plan on it having 6 on it.

 

[C DM]

I’m betting they don’t. I dont how many times I’ve backed up my old iPhone with the new software when new one is coming in the mail. Then I always have to jump through the hoops as it’s ne got the new software. I’d plan on it having 6 on it.

Doesn't seem like new hardware would even support an older major OS version and would typically come with the new version that it was made with essentially.

 

[Bigdog9586]

Doesn't seem like new hardware would even support an older major OS version and would typically come with the new version that it was made with essentially.

Just because the watch is new Dolores the mean they didn’t build it a month or more ago. They’re packaged with the current version and sits on the shelf waiting for the official release. They’ve been manufacturing the iPhone 12 for quite awhile now even though it’s not coming till October.

 

[C DM]

Just because the watch is new Dolores the mean they didn’t build it a month or more ago. They’re packaged with the current version and sits on the shelf waiting for the official release. They’ve been manufacturing the iPhone 12 for quite awhile now even though it’s not coming till October.

One thing isn't related to the other -- iPhone 12 wouldn't be coming with iOS 13 on it and customers wouldn't even be able to install it even if they wanted to as there would be no iOS 13 installer for it. The devices would generally be packaged with what's typically the GM or at least some version of the newest OS and updated if/as needed after that. (Not counting that it seems that it's fairly likely that iPhone 12 has gone into production only much more recently.)

 

[Mercenary]

It doesn’t have WatchOS 7 installed. It has a basic boot loader and the OS is installed when you do the initial setup. The first setup will take an age. But unpair and setup again and it’s quicker as doesn’t need to download the OS.

 

[Smoothie]

It doesn’t have WatchOS 7 installed. It has a basic boot loader and the OS is installed when you do the initial setup. The first setup will take an age. But unpair and setup again and it’s quicker as doesn’t need to download the OS.

My new watch was up and running in less than 30 minutes, including restoring all of the apps and settings from my previous watch.

 

[Mercenary]

My new watch was up and running in less than 30 minutes, including restoring all of the apps and settings from my previous watch.

Your point being?
Previously setup takes 15. So it’s double.