Apple is in the process of creating a ‘pad-like device’ designed to enable firmware updates.

Apple is currently in the process of developing a “pad-like device” with the aim of facilitating firmware updates for iPhones that remain sealed within their packaging.

If you’ve purchased a new iPhone in recent years, you’ve likely encountered a software update immediately upon unboxing the device. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is working on a new system to enhance this process, enabling wireless updates for iPhones without the need to remove them from their boxes.

For instance, when the iPhone 15 was launched earlier this year, Apple had to issue a day-one update to address significant issues with the iPhone-to-iPhone data transfer process during setup. While this update was presented during the setup process of the iPhone 15, having to update your new phone before you can use it isn’t an ideal user experience.

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple has come up with a solution to this problem. The company has reportedly created a unique pad-like device capable of turning on and updating an iPhone while it remains in its packaging.

Apple is also planning to implement a new system in its retail stores, which will allow for software updates on iPhones before they are sold. This system involves placing boxes of iPhones on a proprietary pad-like device. The device can then wirelessly activate the iPhone, update its software, and power it down—all without ever opening the phone’s packaging. The company intends to start deploying this system in its stores by the end of the year.

Currently, iPhones are shipped from the factory with the iOS version available at the time of production. This means that many iPhones reach customers with iOS versions that are several updates behind the latest release.

This technology represents an impressive development, and it will be fascinating to hear the feedback from Apple Store employees once it is launched later this year.