Customers receiving an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, an Apple Watch Series 12, or an Apple Watch Ultra 4 on Friday, September 18 will need to install a software update immediately.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: update during setup
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max ship with iOS 27 variants bearing build numbers 24A427 or 24A8428. The launch version of iOS 27 is build 24A437, so buyers should expect a software update during the setup process.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 require watchOS update
The Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 ship with watchOS 27 build 24R359, while the launch watchOS 27 build is 24R364, meaning those watches will also require an update upon activation.
AirPods 5 expected to receive day-one firmware update
The AirPods 5 are also expected to receive a day-one firmware update delivered over the air. Apple recently released AirPods firmware 9A350 to add support for iOS 27 features.
