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A look at the modified Apple Watch w/ Lightning connector Apple Stores use for display units

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Apple’s in-store “magical” Apple Watch displays have brought about a variety of questions since they first appeared back on April 10th. Thanks to new documents from the Brazilian regulatory process, shared by BlogDoiPhone, we now know a bit more about how the Apple Watch display units are set up. The documents and accompanying images show how a special, proprietary band is connected to the Watch that incorporates a built-in Lightning cable and charges the device.

The strap capable of charging is connected to the 6-pin diagnostic port on the Apple Watch, which we revealed earlier this year has already been used by accessory manufacturers for battery straps. The Lightning cable that runs from Apple’s display strap is connected to the display unit, which is also connected to an iPad mini.

The Apple Watch display unit is connected to an iPad mini, as well. When an app is opened on the Watch, the iPad shows information about that app and what it is capable of. It’s unclear if the Watch is connected to the iPad or to the physical display box itself. On the back of the display box is what appears to be either a Lightning port or USB-C connection. This implies that perhaps the box itself contains a battery that is charged every night and used to power the Watch and iPad for the next day.

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This process shows how the Apple Watch is constantly powered on in Apple Stores and able to be continuously used by customers. From the front of the display unit, the Apple Watch looks identical to other models, giving customers a realistic expectation as to what their Watch would look like, should they purchase one.

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Comments

  1. Skyler Spaeth - 9 years ago

    I think that the lightning is a female connector for the iPad, that has a pinout (someone, please try and figure that out) connecting to the diagnostic port on the Watch. Maybe with a Cydia tweak, it could be possible to interface with the watch.

  2. kadajsouba - 9 years ago

    So apple is using the secret port to charge the watch? Mmmmmm maybe those third party band suppliers weren’t as wrong as everybody thought.

    • srgmac - 9 years ago

      I don’t think everyone thought they were wrong, just that one guy who wrote the article :P Looks promising to me, if not for official products from 3rd party band mfgs, then for haxorerz.

    • Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

      They aren’t wrong. The point is that there is simply no way to use that port without violating your warranty. It has a cover and Apple can easily tell if the cover has been tampered with.

      They don’t even have to write it in the agreement. Removing a “cover” to tamper with the internals of any device has literally *always* been a warranty violation. It’s standard stuff.

    • Milorad Ivović - 9 years ago

      Nobody said they were wrong. The issue is that it can’t be relied upon between software updates. Anyone hoping to use an unofficial mechanism has to be prepared for it to stop working without notice. This could mean losing the investment in your accessory. It wasn’t incorrect, it was simply risky as hell..

  3. AeronPeryton - 9 years ago

    I got a look at the port up close, it’s definitely larger than Lightning so I’m going to go with USB-C.

  4. shareef777 - 9 years ago

    Bottom of the display case looks like a mag safe connector.

  5. Why does nobody who works at an Apple Store ever comment openly here? They don’t have to say “Hey, as an Apple Store employee I can confirm this…” They can simply say they have knowledge that this is true or false.

    • Angelo Castilho Patinho - 9 years ago

      I was thinking that…I’m sure they follow the same rules as if you was working for the government.
      Any word coming out of any employee will be taken to court

      • earlyadopter1 - 9 years ago

        I have knowledge that this is true.
        The MagSafe Connector on the bottom of the demo unit is used to charge the units internal battery, the iPad mini & the watch (through the so-called diagnostic port) every night.
        I’m not sure about the port on the back of the box, but I think it’s a Lightning and in-store, it is only used to update the demo unit & watch firmware.

Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com