Apple is laying the groundwork to let shops replace macOS on sealed Macs wirelessly earlier than sale, mirroring a system it already makes use of for iPhones.
With macOS 26, codenamed Tahoe, Apple’s newest beta consists of indicators of labor on a retail system for updating Macs of their packing containers. The system would resemble Apple’s “Presto” expertise, which permits Apple Shops to replace iPhones nonetheless sealed of their retail packaging.
That method ensures units are on the newest iOS model earlier than they attain patrons. It reduces complications reminiscent of compelled day-one updates.
How the iPhone system works
Apple’s Presto device depends on a particular machine, described internally as a Mac mini-controlled “two-slot toaster,” able to updating a number of iPhones in sealed packing containers concurrently. The machine can energy on the telephones, set up updates, and shut them down once more with out unsealing them.
Presto is Apple’s manner of dealing with logistical challenges when new {hardware} ships earlier than the ultimate model of iOS is prepared. For instance, many iPhone 15 models shipped with iOS 17.0, requiring a day-one replace to 17.0.1 to repair important activation bugs.
And if the report by 9to5Mac on Wednesday is correct — and we consider it’s — this can be easy for Macs in-store quickly.
Potential advantages and challenges for Macs
If Apple implements the same system for the Mac, it might finalize software program later within the manufacturing cycle. That will permit the corporate to ship {hardware} earlier, serving to with its famously tight product timelines.
However there are technical hurdles. Presto depends on NFC to begin the wi-fi replace session for iPhones.
Macs do not have NFC {hardware}, however Apple might add it particularly for in-store updates. It may also use different options, reminiscent of Bluetooth-based communication just like the system that retains iPhones findable when powered off.
Apple hasn’t confirmed any such retail deployment for Macs. The beta code merely signifies the corporate is creating the potential.
Strategic advantages of controlling software program updates earlier than sale
The concept of sealed-device updates highlights Apple’s broader deal with management and integration. It ties collectively retail, the availability chain, and the client expertise. Apple goals to ship a constant setup course of and cut back assist prices from outdated software program.
Apple’s vertical integration technique can also be evident in different areas. The corporate demonstrates this with its customized silicon program and in-house provide chain design. Updating units earlier than sale could be a logical subsequent step.
For now, the function is buried in beta code with no formal announcement or timeline. Apple continues to be testing macOS 26, which is predicted to be launched later in 2025.