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

[Mathletics]

This "Diagnostic Port" is on all watches, but appears to be covered up on the retail models.

 

[DarwinOSX]

So by "hidden" you mean in plain sight? Gotta love link bait.

 

[Keirasplace]

the watches in the stores are strictly demo units. they aren't fully functional watches. I just checked them out yesterday.

These watches in "demo mode", they are not demo units. That's like calling the 80 inch TV in the best buy a demo unit because you don't have the remote...

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That's what I was wondering too. Maybe it locally stores a certain amount of tokens? It worked for me at a Macy's when I didn't have data signal too.

The watch has memory, storage and a NFC, the only thing it doesn't do right now is the setup of the cards. The Iphone is the one authorizing the Watch transactions, so I'm supposing that at the same time, it sends your virtualized card info to the watch. Once that's done it stays on the watch until you take it off and then it is probably wiped clean till the next authorization.

 

[cjt3007]

That's what I was wondering too. Maybe it locally stores a certain amount of tokens? It worked for me at a Macy's when I didn't have data signal too.

I think it just uses the payment terminal's data or something, as that has to have an internet connection to verify the transaction.

 

[Ron Johnson]

What, like the 32Gb iPhone 6's they use in store. I've not seen those for retail....

They are pulled from inventory that would regularly be sold to a customer. It is the software that is run on them which is why it says 32 but is actually not.

take a look at this, it briefly explains it. http://bgr.com/2014/10/28/32gb-iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus/

That port is used ALL OVER the sales floor. It's how the hands-on live demo units interface with the iPad Minis next to them.

This is not how they communicate to each other. It is also not an ipad.

It can't be a connector to a strap as the pogo pins wouldn't slide into position very well and the strap definitely wouldn't be able to slide out.
If a connector goes in here, it would have to push straight in.

As the straps are off so customers can choose the one they want try, it makes sense that it's a charging port. Direct charging is always going to be faster and more efficient than wireless charging. They'll want the demo models always ready.

They do not charge using this port. All watches are in a drawer with built in chargers that you would receive in the box.

how does apple pay work without the iPhone for data?

Watch stores card information. The terminal determines if that card information is accessible to be used.

Think of it like your watch being a credit card. Your credit card does not need to be connected to an iphone or any cell/data information to function. Hope that clears it up!

 

[kdarling]

That's what I was wondering too. Maybe it locally stores a certain amount of tokens? It worked for me at a Macy's when I didn't have data signal too.

Once the card is registered and a token version of it is downloaded to the phone, Apple Pay no longer needs an internet connection.

how does apple pay work without the iPhone for data?

Same as the iPhone. Apparently you must again register each card you want to use for the Watch, and so the Watch gets its own device specific token for each card.

Each device account token is static. It does not change.

Each registration also includes secret account keys that are used to create transaction specific codes that do change with each purchase.

Think of it like your watch being a credit card. Your credit card does not need to be connected to an iphone or any cell/data information to function.

Exactly.

 

[Tech198]

http://9to5mac.com/2015/05/03/apple-watch-hidden-port-battery-straps-faster-charging/

not sure this would be good.