What you need to know
- Apple Watch Series 7 is the first not to sport a hidden diagnostic port.
- The port was only used by Apple, but it isn't present on the new Apple Watch.
- It's like the new 60.5GHz wireless module will pick up the slack.
It's expected that the new 60.5GHz wireless module will take over its duties.
The new Apple Watch Series 7 goes on sale tomorrow but while there are plenty of changes, one of them is something Apple hasn't mentioned. With this year's model, it's done away with the hidden diagnostic port that normally gives Apple's technicians a way to figure out what's going on inside. With Apple Watch Series 7, there's no port to speak of.
While the change makes little-to-no difference to the vast majority of people, it will mean that Apple needs to change the way it handles Apple Watch repairs. And as MacRumors reports, it's likely the switch to the mysterious 60.5GHz wireless data module that will save the day.
The lack of a diagnostic port on Apple Watch Series 7 models likely explains the addition of the 60.5GHz wireless data transfer module. FCC filings indicated that the module is only activated when the Apple Watch is placed on a proprietary magnetic dock with a corresponding 60.5GHz module, so it sounds like Apple might use this dock to perform diagnostics or restore watchOS wirelessly on Series 7 models.
Diagnostic port or not, many Apple Watch issues result in a device swap, rather than a repair. It'll be interesting to see if the move to the new wireless standard will open the door to the rumored port-free iPhone in the future, too.
The new wearable will be the best Apple Watch you can buy when it hits stores tomorrow, with pre-orders already winging their way to buyers.
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