Apple devices to receive software updates on first day of launch
iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will prompt users to install iOS 27 or watchOS 27 updates during initial setup on September 18, and AirPods 5 will get an over-the-air firmware upgrade.
Apple customers who receive an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4 on September 18 will be prompted to install a software update during the initial setup. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will ship with iOS 27 builds labeled 24A427 or 24A8428, while the launch version of iOS 27 is 24A437, meaning a day-one update is required. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will arrive with watchOS 27 build 24R359, compared with the launch build 24R364, also necessitating an immediate update.
Apple is also expected to push a day-one firmware update to the AirPods 5 over the air, following a recent 9A350 firmware release that adds support for iOS 27 features. All four product lines are scheduled to debut on Friday, September 18.