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

[MacRumors]

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:

@jpurnell It's there, but covered: pic.twitter.com/buKcoo0HiZ - John Gruber (@gruber) April 9, 2015

Article Link: Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated]

 

[Packdude]

Smart bands? Interesting...

 

[JoEw]

It's coming, the Mophie Watch battery strap.

 

[Brian Y]

How do we know they're using retail models?

 

[AS90]

Very interesting. There could be some awesome accessories on the way!

 

[dilap]

This could only be in the store versions, so they can load the demo software.

 

[ttss6]

The port looks similar to the magsafe connectors in the Macbook Airs

 

[d0mth0ma5]

Did anyone spot this on the review units? Could just be the in-store models.

 

[alireza76]

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

Yes it's there

 

[Euge]

How do we know they're using retail models?

I think it's safe to assume they are. Apple doesn't put anything on the floor that isn't final product.

 

[entropys]

They will be as useful as those old USB ports that were on Apple TVs.

Hope I'm wrong.

 

[HopefulHumanist]

One of the reps at my local Apple Store told me there was gonna be a way to plug your watch into your computer to sync music. Maybe that's what this is for?

 

[TechRemarker]

How did they get a hold of an apple watch for retail? The only ones currently available are the demo ones in store, which of course aren't retail since those ones aren't being sold. The ones in store sync with the iPad screens based on what screen you are on on the watch for education purposes. None of that suggests that the versions sold for retail would have it.

Though if they don't, will make it much harder to diagnose issues when people bring them in for repair, as it will require geniuses to open them up completely.

 

[lowercaseperson]

Interesting design, but I suspect will be useless in gen1. Gen2/3 might see some integration...leaving gen1 possibly supported but crippled. *IF* it even is a port for "smart bands."

Though the idea of smart bands is actually really cool. It wouldn't be *too* hard to develop a BP cuff band - adding more health kit functionality.

 

[Brian Y]

I think it's safe to assume they are. Apple doesn't put anything on the floor that isn't final product.

Yes, they do.

Many display iPhones have been custom build ones with no SIM tray.

 

[TigerMSTR]

They will be as useful as those old USB ports that were on Apple TVs.

Hope I'm wrong.

Those ports were very useful for updating and restoring software.

 

[Mtmspa]

When the guy changed straps for me, I saw this.

 

[Rogifan]

John Gruber tweeted that his port was covered up.

 

[Chaka Jon]

I took the band off yesterday to check for the port too. I looked at the band too. It was hard to tell if when they connect it makes the watch function, which in turn, would lock out 3rd party bands.

We shall all find out soon enough.

 

[LukasValine]

Interesting how it's missing a few of the regulatory symbols from the iPhone. Someone who knows more about this could probably elaborate.

 

[rorschach]

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?

 

[TechRemarker]

One of the reps at my local Apple Store told me there was gonna be a way to plug your watch into your computer to sync music. Maybe that's what this is for?

The rep was kidding or not very intelligent. All music will by synced wirelessly, 100% guaranteed.

 

[D.T.]

I read if you shove a paperclip into the right hole it actually activates the dormant cellular chip for use without an iPhone.








Apparently the wrong hole result in a horrible death (the exact method was unclear...)

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I took the band off yesterday to check for the port too. I looked at the band too. It was hard to tell if when they connect it makes the watch function, which in turn, would lock out 3rd party bands.

We shall all find out soon enough.

It looks like a port that requires pins, which doesn't seem to be the design of the bands (the small metal piece on the bands just looks like a securing/fastening mechanism).

However, if that port does tie into the charging system, that would be potentially very cool for band augmented power.

 

[frumpy16]

How do we know they're using retail models?

My thought exactly. The units are clearly purposed for demonstration so may be configured differently with that port. Or not...

 

[jayducharme]

It's also interesting that the same area was used for the FCC labeling requirements. That's a clever way to follow regulations yet not mess up their clean aesthetic.