Customers receiving an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, or Apple Watch Ultra 4 on Friday will need to install a software update shortly after opening the device. The products ship with earlier software builds than the versions Apple has designated as the launch releases.

iPhone 18 Pro ships with an earlier iOS 27 build

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max ship with versions of iOS 27 identified by build numbers 24A427 and 24A8428. Apple’s launch version of iOS 27 is build 24A437, so buyers should expect an update as part of the iPhone setup process.

That means the initial setup experience may include downloading and installing an update before the phone is fully ready to use. Customers may want to connect the device to Wi-Fi and ensure it has sufficient battery power before beginning setup.

Apple Watch Series 12 also needs an update

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 ship with watchOS 27 build 24R359. The launch version is build 24R364, creating a separate day-one update requirement for both new watch models.

Because Apple Watch setup typically involves pairing with an iPhone, the update may be presented while owners configure the watch. The difference between the shipping and launch builds suggests Apple prepared final software after some units had already entered distribution.

AirPods 5 may receive launch firmware update

The AirPods 5 are also expected to receive a day-one firmware update, although the process will work differently. Unlike the iPhone and Apple Watch updates, the AirPods firmware update will be delivered over the air.

Apple recently released firmware version 9A350 for AirPods, adding support for features introduced with iOS 27. The available information does not specify whether every AirPods 5 unit will ship with an earlier firmware version, but buyers should be prepared for an update after connecting the earbuds.

New products launch Friday

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 are scheduled to launch on Friday, September 18. The required updates are not new hardware revisions; they bring devices to the software versions intended for launch.

For buyers, the main practical impact is additional setup time. iPhone and Apple Watch owners should plan to update before relying on the devices, while AirPods 5 owners may need to keep the earbuds connected to allow the firmware installation to complete.