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Purported Original iPhone Prototype Sells on eBay for $1499

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Apr 12, 2001
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An alleged prototype version of Apple's original iPhone has sold on eBay for $1499, with the device appearing to be in excellent condition and containing signal strength measurements etched on the rear casing. The device is also shown running Apple's internal diagnostic software.
I am selling a very rare original iPhone engineering prototype. These were used to test the iPhone's various features. To do so, a special test software was installed, which is still running on the device perfectly.

This is device is especially rare, as it shows the initial iOS version installed and the signal strength values etched on the back. This was done by Apple internally and is guaranteed genuine.
Click to expand...
iphone_prototype_signal.jpg
The authenticity of the device has not been confirmed, and similar signal strength etchings do not appear to have been seen on other prototypes, but the device does lack the standard regulatory text on the rear casing that would be present on a non-prototype unit. A reddit user claims to be the buyer of the device, but it has not yet been delivered to allow for further testing of its authenticity.

iphone_prototype_operator.jpg
It is not unusual for prototype Apple devices to appear on eBay, and many of these auctions are quickly removed, presumably at Apple's request. This auction was able to be completed, perhaps due to having been posted for only two days and having ended through a "Buy It Now" purchase well ahead of the scheduled ending time.

Article Link: Purported Original iPhone Prototype Sells on eBay for $1499
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/30/purported-original-iphone-prototype-sells-on-ebay-for-1499/
I would love one of them. With that; you always have a better iPhone than the next one that comes out :)
 
Looks very legit. I recall when the iPhone Dev Team got way back then several iPhone prototypes, one of which was a working one with mock-up software. That software that was running on that device looks eerily similar to this device.
 
I think I would have asked for more than just $1500 if I was selling it and it was legitimate. In a few decades, I imagine this will be worth $10K+.
 
Damn I wish I knew this was for sale. I would have bought it for probably more lol:apple:
 
Who needs a special personalised "Merry Christmas" message etched on the back when you can have a beautiful signal strength value, bringing back nostalgia and memories of the special moment, the sentimental value and the uniqueness of this gift!
 
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i remember i got a motorola razr that year. thought it was a sick phone, thin and sexy design. still think it was one of the coolest flip phones

then the iphone came out. it may not seem like it now, but back than that was the sh**
 
This will be worth much more in the future. I would have not sold it for this little amount of money.
 
Arran said:
The fact that they explicitly identify this one as "OS X" makes me wonder what other OSs they were working with.
Click to expand...

The iPhone started with 2 births. One was the iPod team that began by building up the iPod-OS. The other was another group that was tearing down the Mac-OS.

The OS X team ended up winning out.
 
Windows font used

Weird or funny? The font used on the back is Arial (not Helvetica) - which is from Microsoft Windows...
 
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