According to FCC filings (via MacRumors), the Apple Watch Series 7 features a 60.5GHz module. This module works with a secret, corresponding Dock. Apple's new wireless data transfer feature will pair with a dock to allow for wireless data transfer. However, Apple has not yet revealed what dock it will use. The Series 7 watch will activate the module when it is placed on the pad. Customers won't be able to actually use it.
This is technically not a new feature for the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch has had a hidden diagnostic port since its inception. It is difficult to tell if this new Apple technology is actually being used by Apple, or if it is simply a convenient way to run hardware diagnostics for Genius Bar employees.
The news comes as the European Commission announces plans to require smartphone manufacturers to use USB-C ports exclusively in order to reduce e-waste. This is in addition to rumors that Apple plans to eliminate all ports from its iPhones. This would be more concerning if Apple wanted to avoid the EU proposal. There has been much speculation around the 60.5GHz tech.
Apple may be considering incorporating wireless data transfer technology in its existing charging standards like MagSafe on a future iPhone. This would mean that Apple might sell a dock that allows wireless data transfer to a linked PC to replace the physical Lightning cable.
This is a very timely piece of information! This confirms that future iPhones will not be portable and that Lightning will be replaced by a wireless USB-substitute at 60.5GHz through a MagSafe-like attachment. This was not added to Apple Watch's first release. iPhone teardown https://t.co/vqqMIEx0yW Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 23, 2021
This theory is not without merit. Port-less iPhone rumors have been floating around for some time, and they are based on the accurate analyst Ming Chi Kuo. It is hard to imagine Apple offering a USBC iPhone, which would bypass both its MFi licensing fees as well as its control over its most valuable (and lucrative) devices.
However, it is unlikely that Apple was preparing a replacement standard for the iPhone that could be easily integrated into the port-less iPhone. This was revealed the same day as the EU standard.
Many other Apple internal features have never been made available to the public. The Apple Watch diagnostic port has been dormant for over a decade, despite hopes of battery-life-extending bands or other accessories. Consider the Apple TV's hidden USB-C and Lightning ports. These ports can't even charge an Apple TV remote after all these many years.
Apple is a mystery, but you never know. It is possible that Apple is trying to get rid of charging ports because of EU regulations or its own desires. The new module at 60.5GHz could be a glimpse into how Apple might do this.
