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

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


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.

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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Apple made new Apple Watch charging bracelets and try-on cases for its retail stores

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1. Skyler Spaeth says: 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.
   
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2. kadajsouba says: 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.
   
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   • srgmac says: 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.
     
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   • Gazoo Bee says: 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.
     
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   • Milorad Ivović says: 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..
     
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3. AeronPeryton says: I got a look at the port up close, it’s definitely larger than Lightning so I’m going to go with USB-C.
   
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4. shareef777 says: Bottom of the display case looks like a mag safe connector.
   
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