Apple Watch 7 has a secret wireless module you can't use — here's why that's a big deal

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Apple tree Lookout man 7 has a secret wireless module yous tin can't use — here's why that'due south a large deal

(Image credit: Apple)

Volition Apple adopt USB-C for iPhones, or will it go straight to portless devices? That'due south the large question on a lot of people's minds right now, and there's no obvious answer. But the Apple Watch 7 could offer a few clues as to what Apple has up its sleeve.

According to an FCC filing, the Apple tree Lookout 7 has a 60.5GHz module for wireless communication with a secret dock. Unfortunately, information technology'due south not the kind of thing Apple tree Watch seven owners will be able to employ.

• Everything you lot need to know nearly the Apple Watch 7
• It's fourth dimension for Apple to kill Lightning for USB-C
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The Apple Watch has e'er had a subconscious diagnostic port that's off-limits to users. It's not clear whether Apple has ditched that physical port this fourth dimension effectually, but information technology seems at that place'due south at present a wireless choice. Presumably, the underground dock is meant to make it a little easier for the folks at the Genius Bar to sort out any problems.

The idea of the portless iPhone isn't new. In that location were rumors that Apple could launch a portless phone alongside the iPhone 13, while some leakers accept claimed that Apple tree's program is to go from Lightning to portless with no in-between.

Obviously, in that location are challenges to be had with portless phones, every bit the Lightning or USB-C port is the main mode to both recharge the battery and transfer large amounts of data. No port ways there needs to be a wireless workaround, and ideally i that would be just as reliable equally a wired connexion.

Apple already has a port-complimentary charging solution in the grade of MagSafe, though it is limited to 12W charging speeds right now. The wireless diagnostic module on the Apple Watch seven suggests that data transfer isn't going to be a concern either.

Whether this transfer would be incorporated into MagSafe or another data transfer dock isn't entirely clear, if it even happens at all. Just because something exists on one Apple production doesn't mean it's going to launch on another. USB-C, which is available on MacBooks and certain iPads, is the perfect example of that in action.

Whatsoever happens, information technology'southward going to be interesting to run across how this plays out. Afterward all, the Eu has already made more threats to force Apple tree to prefer USB-C, and with Lightning having just hit its ninth altogether, it seems as though Apple tree needs to get itself in gear and figure out what the future holds.

The respond of whether Apple is going to be wireless or USB-C isn't probable to be revealed for a while. We're just going to accept to patiently wait for the iPhone xiv leaks and rumors to start hitting the web with keen frequency.

• More: Apple Lookout 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Which should you buy?

Tom is the Tom'south Guide'due south Automotive Editor, which ways he can usually exist found human knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'southward long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the tabular array. He's normally found trying to squeeze another behemothic Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/apple-watch-7-has-a-secret-wireless-module-you-cant-use-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal

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