When we buy a new phone, the biggest issue is updating the software. Usually, one or two software updates await us and that means GBs of data need to be downloaded. Apple reportedly has a solution called Presto.
The Cupertino HQ-ed company has apparently come up with a way to wirelessly update boxed iPhones with the latest software from the company, according to French tech site Generation.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has been writing about the technology for months but it seems that Presto is almost here. Presto can wirelessly turn on the iPhone, update its software and then power it back down—all without the phone’s packaging ever being opened.
The iGeneration report mentions that the device uses NFC, and there are “templates” that help with positioning the various-sized iPhone boxes so the NFC and wireless charging will work. There’s no official explanation as to how the charging technique will work. Even when an iPhone is “off” or discharged, it’s still possible for the NFC chip to work. Now, NFC’s maximum data rate of 848 kbit/s, so OS update over that connection is tough but it is enough to wake up the phone and give it an SSID and password for a Wi-Fi connection of some kind.
Gurman says that Presto machines are in limited testing in the US, with wide deployment planned for April. If the report is correct then your next iPhone will come with the latest OS version installed.
What may look like a small change will be a welcome move if a big iOS update needs to be installed.