In March 2024, Apple rolled out an inner “Presto” system that permits iPhones to be up to date with out taking them out of their sealed packing containers. The in-store course of ensured {that a} buyer’s new gadget was operating the most recent accessible model of iOS, irrespective of how lengthy it had been sitting on the shop’s cabinets.
Now, the most recent beta of macOS Tahoe 26 signifies the corporate is engaged on the same course of for the Mac. Now that’s considering outdoors of the field(es)!
The code in macOS Tahoe 26 beta 3 (launched earlier this week) comprises proof that Apple is engaged on a sealed-box replace system for Macs, just like the Presto mechanism used for iPhones.
The system would permit Apple to maintain every retailer’s Mac stock updated proper out of the field, permitting patrons to right away start utilizing their new Macs with out sitting and ready for an replace to be carried out. The system might show to come in useful when Apple is going through tight schedules, theoretically permitting Apple to ship their {hardware} first, after which set up the most recent OS when every little thing is prepared for launch.
Apple created its Presto replace system for iPhones partially to keep away from conditions just like the iPhone 15 launch, when gadgets had been shipped from the manufacturing unit with iOS 17 put in, requiring a day-one iOS 17.0.2 replace to repair knowledge switch and activation points throughout setup.
The Presto system installs iOS updates saved on a proprietary Mac mini-controlled gadget, which has been described as a “two-slot toaster” that may replace as many as six still-in-the-box iPhones without delay.
The system wirelessly powers on the iPhone inside its sealed bundle, updates its software program to the most recent accessible model, after which powers it off. Markings on the gadget be certain that the packing containers are appropriately positioned, relying on their dimension. Updates take 15 to half-hour.
Nonetheless, as was additionally reported in March 2024, Presto isn’t merely an replace mechanism. When a technician scans an iPhone field, the iPhone is instantly added to a queue of iPhones requiring an replace. It then stories to Apple Retailer staff precisely which iPhones nonetheless require an replace. It might additionally test every day gross sales data to foretell the variety of iPhones that needs to be up to date for the subsequent enterprise day.
When a brand new iPhone is delivered to a retailer, the system is aware of whether or not the gadget must have an replace carried out. When new variations of iOS are launched to the general public, the system mechanically flags each iPhone in inventory to obtain an replace.
When an iPhone SKU (which designates an iPhone mannequin, coloration, and storage tier) is bought, the system prompts staff to replace one other gadget to arrange it on the market. This ensures that an on-the-shelf iPhone is prepared, irrespective of the mannequin, capability, or coloration a buyer is searching for.
The brand new course of for the Mac could also be run a bit in a different way, because the Presto replace system for the iPhone relies on the gadget’s built-in NFC chip to provoke the brand new Cellphone’s wi-fi in-box updates, whereas the present Mac lineup isn’t geared up with an NFC chip (except Apple has one hidden in there someplace). In fact, Apple could embody an NFC radio in upcoming Macs to allow this course of.