Apple has introduced an exciting new feature with the release of the first iOS 17.2 beta for developers, allowing sealed iPhones to be updated in Apple Stores.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on a newly developed system at Apple that would allow employees to perform software updates on sealed iPhones without having to remove the devices from the box. This revelation caused a stir, and with the recent release of the iOS 17.2 beta to developers on Thursday, 9to5Mac was able to confirm the existence of this system confirm.
The problem with the iPhone 15 models
The new system developed by Apple allows the company to update sealed iPhones over the air and equip them with the latest software available. This move came after Apple was forced to release a day-one update for the iPhone 15 models to fix a serious setup bug. Interestingly, the iOS 17.2 beta software development kit (SDK) included with the latest Xcode 15.1 beta largely confirms this report. It includes three new internal frameworks called FactoryOTALogger, FactoryOTANetworkUtils, and FactoryOTAWifiUtils that enable wireless OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates via a special external device.
Future benefits for Apple and users
This external device resembles a pad and can be used in Apple Stores to update boxes of sealed iPhones. It's important to stress that this feature is not intended for end users and is clearly marked as internal in the codes seen by 9to5Mac. In the future, this could allow Apple to avoid major day-one bugs by applying iOS updates to sealed iPhones. In addition, the system could also help Apple wirelessly restore the firmware of iOS devices. In recent years, the company has been working on new technologies that allow users to restore devices like the Apple Watch and Apple TV when they stop working and cannot be connected to a computer.
iOS 17.2: A look at Apple's innovative power
With iOS 17.2, Apple has taken an innovative step that could significantly increase the efficiency of updating sealed iPhones in Apple Stores. This new system not only offers the possibility of seamlessly performing day-one updates but could also open the door to further developments in the field of wireless device maintenance. However, iOS 17.2 brings not only technical improvements but also some new features for Apple Music subscribers and other useful updates. Developers can already test the beta version. Wide availability is expected by the end of the year. With iOS 17.2, Apple is once again demonstrating its commitment to innovation and user-friendliness. (Photo by Mehaniq / Bigstockphoto)
