In the future, Apple may be able to update its iPhones while they're still in their original packaging and in stores.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has developed a "proprietary pad-like device" for this purpose. An Apple employee would be able to just place an iPhone on top of that device, which would then wirelessly turn on the iPhone, update its software, and power it back down. All of this could be done without ever opening the package.
According to Gurman, Apple plans to start rolling this feature out to its stores before the end of 2023.
This system could potentially ease the often arduous process of setting up a new phone. By eliminating the (often necessary) need to update the iPhone as soon as you unpack it and turn it on, it would remove one more step you need to do before you can start using your new phone.
Gurman also shared a few other tidbits about upcoming Apple devices. He said that Apple is planning to launch a cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, that would have an iPhone processor inside (instead of a Mac-grade chip) and would ditch the outside display. It would also have fewer external cameras and sensors. The price for this cheaper Vision Pro would be between $1,500 and $2,500 (it's a wide range, we know).
The report also mentions new Macs. Gurman says the next high-end MacBook Pro devices, with 14-inch and 16-inch displays and Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, are nearing mass production, and could be launched in the first quarter of 2023. New 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs with Apple M3 chips are also coming, possibly between spring and summer of next year.
