Apple Watch Diagnostic Port

Nice scoop by Matthew Panzarino:

Would you shell out money for a ‘smart’ accessory band for an Apple Watch that added additional capabilities? More battery life, perhaps?

The reason I ask is that the Apple Watch has a port that the company has yet to show off. It’s being used for diagnostics and direct access to the Watch operating system, but it’s feasible that could be used to connect accessories in the future.

The port has a 6-dot brass contact array inside the groove for the ‘bottom’ strap connector slot. Several sources have confirmed its existence and placement to me.

He also answers a question I’ve been wondering about since September: How did Apple get around putting “Assembled in China” on the bottom of the case?

If you’re curious, the other slot has “Assembled in China — Designed by Apple in California” engraved inside.

Update: Jordan Kahn at 9to5Mac:

9to5Mac has learned from sources that the port, which is actually a Lightning port being used for testing, will not be included on the product shipping to customers.

★ Thursday, 5 March 2015