I think that this port is for diagnostics, and is how the in store "try the software" watch/iPads stations know what you're looking at in the watch. And for charging. The iPad displays info based on what you've selected on the watch in real time. I really hope this remains on the production watches, and opens the possibility of having some really cool connected feature bands.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated]
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
To me that sounds similar in description to the metal wire charging stands that each watch was on at the first announcement. Granted they aren't "bracelets" but still.
Depends on what it can be used for.
- Power? Then you could have flexible battery wrist straps that extend the life of the watch up a week or two.
- Data? Perhaps add a strap that measures blood pressure, or in the future, glucose levels via visual means. Or a GPS in a strap. Or a cellular connection in a strap.
- Debugging? Could be a way to jailbreak the device to add software features that Apple won't do themselves.
Etc. In other words, imagine your iPhone or iPad with and without its connector port at the bottom.
I noticed this also while looking at the iPad Air 2. Which is super odd because wouldn't a 16GB model work for demo purposes? Tells me that there's more going on under the hood.
The Watches are under BCG-E2870 and BCG-E2871
Here are the FCC label photos,
An side note, BCG-E2871 also lists A1638 for a label there is nothing on that. Digging more into the files, apparently the A1554 has 2 antennas while the A1638 has 1. Yet the report states "Model A1554 and model A1638 are using identical electrical design as A1553."
Other FCC finds.
BCGA1647: A1647 - "MAGNETIC CHARGING CASE"
BCGA1489: A1622 & A1623 - "For Tablet Device" - "MagSafe, USB-C, and is used to demonstrate the Apple Watch." (1)
BCGA1667: A1667 - "APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE FOR DISPLAY CASE "
BCGA1668: A1668 - "APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING TRY-ON CASE "
BCGA1570: A1570 - "APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE "
BCGA1626: A1626 - "APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING BRACELET "
BCGA1598: A1598 - "APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE "
Last edited:
I know this is a popular idea here, but if it is on production watches, that is a huge unneeded liability for a watch:
First: It is a point of entry for dirt, grime, water, and, as mentioned, paper clips and such. Yes, there are water/dirt/grime proof connectors, but they add to the expense of the device.
Second: Someone will figure out what it's used for, and exploit this weakness/oversight/future expansion. As for charging/synching/diagnosing, they already have that with the cable supplied. For synching/upgrading, I already do that wirelessly with my iPhone.
Third: This is intentional. A launch this big (We've been talking about this for about a year or 5...), it is unlikely they missed this one.
With that, if it is on the production watches, it's intentional, and there will be a financial (accessories) reason for this.
Last edited:
Outstanding! Thank you, I don't know how I missed them. I'm going to have to switch to the newer system.
Interesting!
Maybe so!
Calling it a "diagnostic port" was a genius move as no one can argue that.
The fact is that the only way to connect with any smartbands (with additional sensors) is that spot. I wouldn't be surprised to find out sometime in the future that smartbands were always intended for v1 of the watch, but were abandoned late in the process.
It SURE will be fun watching the results of people hacking it!
The fact is that the only way to connect with any smartbands (with additional sensors) is that spot. I wouldn't be surprised to find out sometime in the future that smartbands were always intended for v1 of the watch, but were abandoned late in the process.
It SURE will be fun watching the results of people hacking it!
It's the screen of a retina ipad mini and it's powered by a macbook battery. there's a magsafe 2 port on the bottom and they're used for charging. there's a lightning port on the back for manual data sync to update the firmware of the watch while on display... theyre stored in a charging case overnight and we have enough to swap them out if the battery gets too low.
Not watertight
Confirms the Apple Watch is a toy, that cover does not look watertight so what happens if rain get on to those connectors will they short circuit and if it is sweat on the sports version the gold will corrode. Saw this watch in the Glasgow, Braehead store. It is bulky and very definitely 1st generation. I'll wait for the 4th generation when they will have fixed all the problems. Just like the iPhone 3GS, and iPad 4.
Confirms the Apple Watch is a toy, that cover does not look watertight so what happens if rain get on to those connectors will they short circuit and if it is sweat on the sports version the gold will corrode. Saw this watch in the Glasgow, Braehead store. It is bulky and very definitely 1st generation. I'll wait for the 4th generation when they will have fixed all the problems. Just like the iPhone 3GS, and iPad 4.
hopes
Don't get your hopes up boys for a smart band, they have invested lots on all these wrist bands and they wouldn't put so much effort if smart bands were around the corner.
Don't get your hopes up boys for a smart band, they have invested lots on all these wrist bands and they wouldn't put so much effort if smart bands were around the corner.
The displays are battery powered and portable. I saw an employee slide one across the try on table and there was a charging port on the back with nothing plugged in while it was running. Looked like lightning, micro usb, or usb-c.
The port itself could be water proof. It's just exposed connections that could be concealed. Also the 3GS was only 3rd generation.
Finally, my dreams of a wrist mounted Plex server will be realized!
(Nice recon on that FCC data
)Nice, MacRumors correctly predicted that the model number and regulatory info would be etched inside the band connector area. Well done.
It wouldn't surprise me either. The first iPad was originally going to have a second dock connector so that it could be docked in landscape as well as portrait (which would have made the dock keyboard more practical frankly). The retail model retained the internal connector for such.
Oooooooo this shows big potential. Gonna have to return to the store to investigate.