eBay iPhone auction gone

An eBay auction claiming to offer original prototype iPhones has been pulled at the request of Apple, the seller claims. Speaking to the press, the seller explains that "as many people predicted would happen, Apple has contacted eBay to close the listing." A purported demonstration video on YouTube has also been pulled, with a simple disclaimer stating only that "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Apple, Inc.."

Apple's efforts could serve as evidence of the phones' legitimacy, but may also simply represent preemptive action. YouTube in particular has been known to pull videos at the first request of numerous businesses, such as TV networks or the Church of Scientology, without allowing defense on the part of uploaders. Apple has had authentic prototype auctions pulled in the past; most recently, one for a first-generation iPod.

by MacNN Staff