Apple’s In-Store Presto System Does More Than First Believed

Last week we reported about Apple’s new in-store Presto system, which allows Apple Store employees to update the software on in-stock iPhones without opening the boxes. Now, more details about Presto and its capabilities have become available.

The Presto consists of small lockers that can hold and update up to six boxed iPhones at once. The lockers have markings designed to help ensure that the iPhone boxes are correctly positioned according to size. Once the iPhones are placed in the locker, they take about 15 to 30 minutes to be fully updated.

The Presto system uses NFC, wireless charging, and software installed on a Mac mini, which stores an updated version of the iOS software and communicates wirelessly with the iPhones while still in their packaging.

iGeneration reports the Presto system is actually more sophisticated than first believed. The system was initially reported to be capable of powering up the iPhones, updating their software, and then powering the iPhones down without the need to open the box. However, a new report says the Presto not only updates the iPhones, it is also part of a complete inventory management system.

When a technician scans an iPhone box, the iPhone is added to the queue of devices to be updated. In addition, the system informs Apple Store employees which devices still require an update. It also checks daily sales records to predict how many iPhones need to be prepped for the next business day.

The system can also list which iPhones are in stock that still need updating and takes into account the store’s iPhone sales forecast to determine which iPhones need to be processed. Retail members are aware throughout the day of how many iPhones need to be processed by Presto and which ones are ready to go.

After a particular iPhone SKU (which designates an iPhone model, color, and storage tier) is sold, the system prompts employees to update another in-the-box model to prepare it for sale. The system ensures that there’s always an iPhone ready to go for any model, capacity, or color a customer is looking for.

When new iPhones are delivered to the store, the system also automatically knows whether they need to be updated, and when a new iOS update is released to the public, the system automatically flags all iPhones in stock for an update.

The iGeneration report says that all staff are allowed to get involved in the update process, even those who have not been trained to use the device. When the Presto is finished updating an iPhone, a status LED changes from white to green. This will alert any team member walking by to know they can now remove the device from the machine and return it to an area designated for updated stock.