The Apple Watch Has a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Photo]

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Posted April 12, 2015 at 1:36am by Shalom Levytam

The retail Apple Watch features a hidden diagnostic port. Louis, a MacRumors reader, was able to slip off the bottom band of an Apple Watch during his try-on appointment to discover the port and snap a couple photos.

TechCrunch first reported the existence of the port last month. "The port has a 6-dot brass contact array inside the groove for the ‘bottom’ strap connector slot. Several sources have confirmed its existence and placement to me. It is very similar to the connector for the Lightning connector in iPhones, as that connector currently only uses 6 of its 8 available pins."

The port will likely be used by Apple to run diagnostics and perform repairs on the smartwatch. It's been suggested that perhaps one day we could see some smart accessories or bands that make use of it but thus far Apple hasn't even acknowledged that it exists. Additionally, Louis noted that retail staff haven't had any training on how to use the port.

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The Apple Watch Has a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Photo]

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nekton99 - April 13, 2015 at 4:02am

Straps with flexible batteries and sensors coming to a Kickstarter near you soon.

crazy4dss - April 12, 2015 at 1:42pm

I can see an extended battery that's built in the bracelet, or interactive bracelets in the future. One thing about Apple they never limit their product to do just one thing.

Daniel bailey - April 12, 2015 at 12:11pm

Just found out that the six hole at the bottom are for water drain out with you get water in the watch

samteeee - April 12, 2015 at 12:11pm

Here comes the "JailBreaking" or one way of them!!

zib - April 12, 2015 at 8:07am

Isn't it obvious. If something goes wrong with a software update or something like that there needs to be a way to upgrade the software via cable. I'm sure it's just a port which offers DFU-mode etc like on the iphone.

AppleGuy299 - April 12, 2015 at 11:49pm

Probably. Maybe if you have an issue you can go to the Apple Store and get it restored.

Spotter - April 12, 2015 at 5:29am

The connector is visible in the Stainless Steel video at 1:23

Caseace79 - April 12, 2015 at 4:20am

Hmm... Jailbreak vulnerability?

Joseph - April 12, 2015 at 2:29am

Maybe it's just for the in store demo versions. We shall find out when they start arriving

gamerscul9870 - April 12, 2015 at 1:41am

Maybe a new version of MagSafe for the Apple watch 2. Maybe it is worth the wait to find out about what this can really be for.