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Anyone unboxing an iPhone 18 Pro or a new Apple Watch tomorrow will have to perform a software update. The devices will come pre-installed with an older version than the one Apple has been shipping since Monday. This also affects the Series 12, Ultra 4, and the new AirPods.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 go on sale Friday, September 18th. However, the devices were pre-installed and packaged before the official launch, and Apple has since released the initial versions of the operating systems. iOS 27 was released on September 14th for all supported models.
MacRumors determined the specific versions on the new devices based on the shipped builds. The numbers are all lower than what Apple currently distributes as the initial release version.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with iOS 27 version numbered 24A427 or 24A8428, but version 24A437 is now being shipped.
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will launch with watchOS 27 version 24R359; the current version is 24R364.
- The update runs during setup; this requires Wi-Fi and some time.
- The AirPods 5 receive their firmware updates over the air, without any user intervention.
- Sales will also start on September 18th in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Which versions are installed at the factory
| Device | Factory installed | Current start version |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max | iOS 27 (24A427 or 24A8428) | iOS 27 (24A437) |
| Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 | watchOS 27 (24R359) | watchOS 27 (24R364) |
| AirPods 5 | Firmware is updated over the air. | Firmware 9A350 (latest released) |
Version 24A437 is the same one that Apple released as a Release Candidate on September 11th and distributed to all supported iPhones on September 14th.
What to do when setting up
The update will be offered during setup. Therefore, it's advisable to connect to a Wi-Fi network and plug the device into a power adapter right at the beginning, before the data transfer starts.
Those switching from an old iPhone usually use Quick Start. The Quick Start guide explains how the process works and what to do if something goes wrong.
The Apple Watch update is performed via the paired iPhone. The watch should be on its charger for this to happen.
Why the timing of the purchase doesn't change anything
An update immediately after unpacking is annoying, but it's a consequence of the production lead time: the devices are pre-installed before Apple releases the initial version. Pre-ordering or picking up in store makes no difference, as the boxes are already packed by that point.
In practical terms, this means you shouldn't schedule the setup for the last ten minutes before an appointment. The new health features of the watches, which are currently being discussed in the first reviews of the Series 12 and Ultra 4, require a fully set-up watch anyway.
Do you prefer to set up your new iPhone right away in the store, or wait until you're home and have transferred the settings from your old device? Let us know in the comments how you'll handle it tomorrow.
