Apple’s Presto in-box software update system: what to expect next month
Apple is gearing up to introduce a new system called ‘Presto within Apple’ across all its retail stores in the United States next month. This innovative system enables Apple Store employees to update the software of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices without the need to open their packaging.
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter on Bloomberg, the rollout of the ‘Presto within Apple’ system in the US is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to be available in all stores by “early summer”. Gurman had initially reported on this system in October 2023, mentioning that Apple had been testing it in select stores across the US.
The functioning of ‘Presto within Apple’ involves the use of a newly developed iPad-like device that connects to the iPhone’s MagSafe and other wireless connectivity options. This device powers up the iPhone within its packaging, updates it with the latest firmware, and then shuts it down automatically.
Describing the system in the newsletter, Gurman stated, “The system looks a bit like a metal cubby for shoes. It can use MagSafe and other wireless technologies to power up the iPhone without ever cracking open the packaging. It downloads and installs new software and then powers the phone back down.”
For users, this advancement means that they will receive their iPhone with the latest firmware already installed, straight out of the box. Typically, phones are manufactured months before they are released for sale, and during this time, Apple may have released multiple software updates. When users activate their device, they are prompted to update it with the latest firmware available at that time.
With the implementation of ‘Presto within Apple’, Apple Store employees can now update the device’s software while it is still in the box, ensuring that users experience the latest firmware from the moment they start using their device.
This not only guarantees that users receive the most up-to-date firmware but also enables Apple to address any bugs or issues that may have been identified in newer models. For example, heating issues in the iPhone 15 Pro/iPhone 15 Pro Max were resolved through a software update shortly after their launch. With this new system, Apple Stores can update the device with the latest software and address any issues before it reaches the users’ hands.
