iPhone

Get a piece of Apple history as an alleged first-gen iPhone prototype hits eBay auction

Chance Miller | Aug 28 2018 - 7:26 pm PT

Apple prototypes going up for auction has become common over recent years, but something we don’t see as often are prototype iPhones. Today, a prototype first-generation iPhone has hit the auction block through eBay – and it’s already above $1,000…

The seller of this prototype iPhone is a small account out of Portland, Oregon. They don’t make the origin of this device clear, but various markings and the operating system match other prototype first-generation iPhone units that we have seen.

The seller claims that this iPhone is from 2006 and was “hand-made in Cupertino, California.” Because of this, it weighs in at 144.5 grams, which is much more than the first-generation iPhone’s normal 135 grams.

On the back of the iPhone itself is a rundown of radio signal bands, as well as a version indicator, which seemingly suggests that this is version 1.1.1 of the iPhone. The device is running “multiple testing software” versions, the seller says, including OS X.

Here are the top differences between this prototype iPhone and a normal first-generation iPhone, according to the seller:

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 wi-fi 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

Currently, the iPhone is sitting at $1,009.99 on eBay, but the auction’s reserve has yet to be met. The seller claims they originally listed this iPhone back in 2015, but for some reason the sale did not go through. That time around, the device fetched a whopping $61,100.

Apple has successfully had several iPhone prototypes removed from eBay in the past, so it’s unclear if this one will survive. If you want a chance to get in on some iPhone history, though, you can try your luck with this prototype.