Anyone picking up an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, or Apple Watch Ultra 4 today should plan on a software update before the device is actually ready to use. The hardware shipped with an older build than what Apple released to the public.
According to a report from MacRumors, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max left the factory running iOS 27 build 24A427 or 24A8428, while the version Apple actually released for launch is build 24A437. Anyone setting up a new iPhone 18 Pro today should expect a software update to appear partway through the setup process.
Why iPhone 18 Pro is expected to ship with an Older Build of iOS 27
Apple manufactures phones weeks ahead of launch day, which means the software gets locked in before the final release build is ready. That gap is normal every September, and it happened with the iPhone 17 lineup last year too. The fix is the same each time. New devices download the current release the first time they connect to Wi-Fi during setup, adding a few extra minutes before the phone is ready to use.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Need the Same Kind of Update
The new Apple Watch models are in the same position. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 shipped with watchOS 27 build 24R359, while the public launch version is 24R364. Anyone pairing a new watch today should expect a comparable update prompt once it connects to an iPhone.
AirPods 5 Get a Firmware Update Too, But It Happens Automatically
AirPods 5 will also receive a day one firmware update, though there is nothing to install manually. AirPods firmware updates automatically over the air once the earbuds are near a connected iPhone. Apple already released firmware 9A350 for existing AirPods 5 units to add iOS 27 support ahead of today’s launch, and new units will pick up the current firmware version the same way.
