November 11, 2024 – A rare iPhone prototype has been unveiled in a video shared by the Youtube channel AppleDemoYT. Originally sourced from an electronics recycling factory, this unique device features a distinctive “double-fish” design (a pattern formed by two intersecting circles, known as “Vesica Piscis” in Latin) on its back, replacing the familiar Apple logo. Interestingly, this design motif was previously seen on early prototypes of the Apple AirTag and has applications in architecture and art.
Visually, the prototype seems to blend design elements from both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, yet it also possesses unique features. Notably, its volume and power buttons are non-mechanical, providing a silent press without the usual tactile click. Rumors had previously suggested that Apple was developing haptic feedback solid-state buttons for the iPhone 15, but this feature ultimately did not materialize.
A standout feature of this prototype is its single volume button, a departure from the traditional separate buttons. Additionally, the SIM card tray has been redesigned, shorter in size and secured with screws. The side of the device is marked with the word “Ranger,” indicating that it was in the “field testing” phase of prototype evaluation.
Internally, components such as the camera are non-functional placeholders, and there are minimal internal cables connecting to the motherboard – just one for the charging port and another for the body buttons. The motherboard’s layout is unique, falling somewhere between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro in design.
Upon powering on, the iPhone displays a message about microcontroller initialization being complete. When connected to a Mac computer, it identifies itself as “Bender,” a nod to the animated series “Futurama.” Unfortunately, the device currently does not respond to any touch inputs.
Based on its serial number, the prototype was manufactured in May 2021, preceding the release of the iPhone 13 Pro. However, given that the iPhone 13 Pro was likely already finalized at that time, this device is unlikely to be a prototype for that model. While the camera module bears similarities to the iPhone 14 Pro, the mix of components makes it difficult to pinpoint its exact relation to existing iPhone models.
AppleDemoYT speculates that this iPhone is not a prototype for a specific iPhone model but rather a testing device for experimental features, such as the haptic button technology.
