Is this possible?!!?

Pretty sure. From the manual:

"The upgrade will start automatically if the aircraft does not connect to the DJI Pilot app after power cycling the aircraft."

Granted this is under the "updating intelligent flight battery firmware" section but it says the battery is updated during the aircraft update process so that leads me to believe you can upgrade your craft's firmware without connecting to the app.

Yes it is possible and even sometimes a solution to the hang that some get midway through the update process.  Just insert the sd card containing firmware as instructed and then turn on the aircraft unlinked to anything. Worked for me. Then also go through the controller update procedure. The IOS app should acknowledge the update when it is finally connected to the controller and the Inspire itself.

Dan

might just wait for the IOS app to make it easier, not like I can fly it anyway until prop locks come in lol!

Thanks!

Got the app, and made the update