iPhone fans have a chance to grab a piece of history, as a first-generation iPhone prototype is up for auction on eBay. Well, until Apple has it taken down, anyway.
The prototype iPhone’s origin isn’t known, but as 9to5Mac indicates, the markings and other indicators on the device match other prototype first-generation devices that have previously surfaced.
The seller says the iPhone is from 2006 and was “hand-made in Cupertino.” The device is said to weight 144.5 grams, as opposed to production first-generation iPhones that weigh in at 135 grams.
The seller furnishes the following information about the device:
I am selling a preproduction iPhone 2G prototype. This prototype is running an early version of Apple’s iOS designed to test the phone’s hardware functions. The same operating system, which features tests for the iPhone’s radios, touch sensors, display and battery. All this information is shown is a “special test software: installed to try out the device’s features.
In addition to the special software, each radio signal bands are etched into the device’s rear housing. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and each of the original iPhone’s four supported GSM bands are accounted for.
Alongside the signal bands, the handset is etched with a label denoting it as ” Ver 1.1.1. “
Noticeable differences on this iPhone Prototype compared to mass produced 1st generation iPhones:
- Rare Apple engineer sticker which says Ver 1.1.1
- Running multiple testing software, including OS X and Earthbound (not the normal OS 1)
- Used by Apple for testing to make the original iPhone
- Circa 2006. Before the original iPhone release date (mid 2007)
- Different weight. Much heavier at 144.5 grams (normal iphone 2g is 135 gram)
- No FCC etchings at the back
- Bell icon
for the mute button- Complete different internals, including different battery, different wifi etc
- Excellent investment
- Early prototype
- Hand made in Cupertino, California. (not mass produced in China like normal iPhones)
- Secretly code named Project Purple (at this stage of development, the “iPhone” name was unknown)
- EXTREMLY RARE. Only a few are known to exist
- Highly sought after
At the time of this article, bids for the historical iPhone sit at $12,300.00, but the reserve has not been met. The auction has over 8 days left.
Keep in mind, this auction could end prematurely, as Apple has had iPhone prototype auctions taken down form eBay in the past.
For more information, or to bid on a piece of iPhone history, visit the auction site.
