Prototype iPhone Spotted on eBay

[MacRumors]

iLounge points out a prototype iPhone recently listed on eBay.

Here is a quite rare and collectable example of iPhone prototypes, one even running a beta OS. Only one of the phones works however. Neither unit says "iPhone" on them anywhere, or list the storage capacity which is interesting. I did some research on the serial numbers, it appears they were both manufactured about 6 months before the release of the iPhone.

Obviously, it is difficult to determine the authenticity of these claims, but the prototype operating system depicted closely resembles the diagnostic screens found on the iPod Touch.

Two prototype iPhones are being sold. Neither have the word "iPhone" written on the back of them. Based on serial numbers, each unit was manufactured in China in late 2006. The iPhone wasn't officially announced until January 2007, and didn't start shipping until June 2007. The working unit runs iPhone OS 03.06.01_g vs the launch version which ran version 03.11.02_G.

Beta units of Apple products have been known to escape Apple's labs before. Recently a prototype MacBook Air was purchased on eBay by a MacRumors forum member.


Article Link: Prototype iPhone Spotted on eBay

 

[Dudeman486]

sweet! theyre not practical in any sense, but a rare gem to own. i might look into buying one

 

[wheezy]

That would be a pretty nice collectors item if it proves to be legit. Hmmmm

 

[dewser35]

Fake!

It's fake... I can tell by the pixels in my years of photo editing!

 

[LanPhantom]

1st Gen iPhone "Collectors item"

hahaha. Under 2yrs old and they are already collectors items? Hell, I got a basement full of junk I'll add them too, someday I'll sell it all and retire!

 

[techmonkey]

why is the bezel silver? I thought the first iPhone had a black bezel...or was that the Touch?

 

[slu]

Cue all the "FAKE!" posts....

 

[fleshman03]

LOL. I Remember those old serial numbers with a box of cherios from a while ago... I think those were seen right after the iPod Touch came out. Ah those were the days...

BTW- anyone up to taking bets on where the bidding will end? My guess is $1,500. (It's at $688 now)

 

[mobius42]

Weren't these pictures posted here by a forum member a few months ago? I distinctly remember seeing them before.

 

[lozanoj83]

Somehow I think I saw these a long time ago here in the forums, whom someone purchased them and was asking questions about them...

 

[Scottsdale]

I will bet this article placement here on Mac Rumors allows the item to fetch in excess of $10k, where it might have fetched $1500 if kept quiet. Hopefully the seller knows what he/she is doing by selling like this... and not keeping it a hush hush private sale.

 

[abhimat.gautam]

Somehow I think I saw these a long time ago here in the forums, whom someone purchased them and was asking questions about them...

Do you mean this?

 

[hooch]

Front side camera?

I don't see a front side camera. I was hoping that then next iphone would have video conferencing / mobile ichat capabilities. So, I hope this is fake.

 

[NeoMayhem]

Would be interesting to see it the latest 2g firmware worked on it.

 

[specify]

I don't see a front side camera. I was hoping that then next iphone would have video conferencing / mobile ichat capabilities. So, I hope this is fake.

probably prototype of the first generation

 

[kastenbrust]

The only way the person who's selling these iPhone prototypes got them is:

A) He is Steve Jobs

B) He Stole them from Apple

C) They are fake

A and C probably aren't true so this a case for the police not Ebay.

 

[k2spitfire88]

why is the bezel silver? I thought the first iPhone had a black bezel...or was that the Touch?

I don't see a front side camera. I was hoping that then next iphone would have video conferencing / mobile ichat capabilities. So, I hope this is fake.

Guys, these are prototypes (or so they say) from before the first one came out.

 

[Jayomat]

I don't see a front side camera. I was hoping that then next iphone would have video conferencing / mobile ichat capabilities. So, I hope this is fake.

you're joking, right?

 

[Lexoticstylez02]

This has been covered months ago, I'm not sure why this is making front page news again..

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/627449/

 

[lozanoj83]

Do you mean this?

Yeah those. Somehow I knew I wasnt going crazy by thinking that I saw them again.
My question is, why is this news? *and I mean that with all sincerity, I just dont see why this should be front page given this was out in the forums since January. Maybe slow news day?*

 

[adam1185]

Well if it's real it'll probably be taken down from eBay in about 3 seconds...

 

[Jayomat]

Beta units of Apple products have been known to escape Apple's labs before. Recently a prototype MacBook Air was purchased on eBay by a MacRumors forum member.

The only way the person who's selling these iPhone prototypes got them is:

A) He is Steve Jobs

B) He Stole them from Apple

C) They are fake

A and C probably aren't true so this a case for the police not Ebay.

so how come we haven't heared that the guy who bought/sold the prototype macbook air has been "arrested" or at least sued ? as far as i know, buying stolen things is as illegal as stealing them

 

[the light]

haha, i get it... serial number, cheerios.

 

[sleepneed]

I forgot I had a username here until now. I don't know or care if this is real. The only question I have is why would apple use a Cheerios box with a green checked circle to use as the icon for Serial Number?

 

[flopticalcube]

Interesting but page 2 news really.