Prototype iPhones on eBay?

An auctioner at eBay claims to be selling two prototype models of the original iPhone. Although only one of the phones is operational, it is said to be running an alpha or beta version of the iPhone OS, distinguished by rudimentary graphics and completely different button layouts. The phone is unable to sync with iTunes, but can nevertheless make calls and take photos, as well as receive text messages and send five preset messages of its own.

Alternating subtitles on various screens are said to repeat unusual phrases, such as "Skankphone" and "Say hello to the Newton MessagePad 3000." Notable is that while neither of the phones have the word "iPhone" etched into their casing, the Apple logo is present, and design features like the Home and volume buttons remain in familiar places. A video demonstration purports to show the working prototype in action, for instance running code such as a built-in multi-touch test.

The auction has already gathered considerable attention, rising from a starting bid of 99 cents to reach $2,270 as of press time. Bidding is slated to end at 8PM Pacific time on March 11th.

by MacNN Staff