Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

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

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.

diagnostic-apple-watch
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:

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 12
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

Surprise and Shine Live Coverage Article

Apple Event Live Blog: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and More

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:10 am PDT by
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, new AirPods 5 earphones, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium

New Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Features Revealed

Sunday August 30, 2026 7:54 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today further outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 set to be unveiled on September 9. While it was initially rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch this year, Gurman reiterated that he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. ...
apple surprise and shine event

Apple Event Today: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo Cheat Sheet

Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:24 am PDT by
Apple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone. To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference...

Top Rated Comments

149 months ago
This could only be in the store versions, so they can load the demo software.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
149 months ago
How do we know they're using retail models?
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JoEw Avatar
149 months ago
It's coming, the Mophie :apple:Watch battery strap. :rolleyes:
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kdarling Avatar
149 months ago
John Gruber tweeted that his port was covered up.

retail apple watches diagnostic port image
Neat. The photo gives the model number: A1554.

Just checked the FCC. No entry for the Apple Watch yet.

--

Although... there are already entries for two magnetic charging cables: A1570 and A1598.

APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE
MODEL NUMBER: A1598



--
OH. And hmm, what's this? An entry for:

APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING BRACELET
MODEL NUMBER: A1626




That's a bit different looking. Can't tell if that's a side view, top view or what it is. It also has an unusually small version above the larger more readable one.

The "Apple Confidential" is unusual for this document type, too. This is extra odd.

And why is it called a "BRACELET" ? Is it for store displays? For consumer use? Any guesses?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
entropys Avatar
149 months ago
They will be as useful as those old USB ports that were on Apple TVs.

Hope I'm wrong.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rorschach Avatar
149 months ago
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?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors