This summer, U.S. Apple Stores will update iOS on iPhone units inside never-opened boxes

Last October, we told you that Apple was working on a system that would allow it to install software updates on multiple iPhones even when they are turned off, in their retail boxes at an Apple Store. The technology would allow those who purchase a new iPhone in Apple's physical storefront to have that device come out of the box with the latest version of iOS without Apple Store employees spending time manually updating each unit.

Last year, the technology would have been useful since iOS 17.0.1 was released before the iPhone 15 line was available for purchase. To update iPhone units in never-opened retail boxes, a stack of these iPhone boxes is placed on a proprietary Apple-developed carrier and each unit in the stack is turned on wirelessly, receives the iOS update, downloads and installs the update and closes. down. The packaging is undisturbed and boxed iPhones will run the latest version of iOS on the first boot after purchase. Apple calls this system “Presto”.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in his latest Power On newsletter, “Presto” uses MagSafe wireless charging and other wireless technologies to help it accomplish its task. Gurman says the cushion looks like “a metal shoe rack.” While “Presto” was tested in select Apple Stores late last year, Gurman says Apple will now roll out the technology to Apple Stores in the United States in April. The plan is to offer “Presto” in all US Apple Stores this summer.

We still don't know if Apple will keep this technology for itself or if it will allow its carrier partners (such as Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T) to update their iPhone inventory using “Presto” . We also don't know when Apple plans to allow foreign Apple Stores to use the in-app update system.