Want to own a super-rare prototype iPhone 6, as accidentally sent out to a Verizon customer? You’d better have six-figures to spare.
The alleged prototype in question has appeared on eBay, running the internal Apple applications the company uses to test new devices as opposed to the consumer version of iOS.
There are no FCC markings or any other text on the handset’s body, other than the word “iPhone.” There is also a red lightning port, which seller kimberlyk1018 claims “is a sure sign of a prototype.”
The full listing reads:
“For sale is a brand new never used Apple iPhone 6 Prototype. Apple does NOT let these phones out of their possession yet I was accidentally sent one upon renewing my contract. As you can see from the photos, iOS8 has not been placed on this device, rather it is in the true developer mode. There are no FCC markings on the rear of the device or a model number. This is the real deal!!!
The lightening [sic] port is red which is a sure sign of a prototype. This device is being sold as is. I cannot guarantee that it will make calls or that the camera will work. However I can guarantee you that the device is a 64gb iPhone 6 which was sent to me from Verizon. The device comes with the box, charger, headphones and wall charger as well as all the paperwork. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
This is a once in a life time opportunity for you to take a part of. ***Free Shipping is only included if price exceeds $4,000.*** Buyer must have a PayPal verified address and be seller protection eligible. If you would would like any additional photos please let me know.
I am also giving a 110% guarantee on this being an authentic Apple prototype device.”
Provided that this is a legit leak, it’s more than likely that Apple will order eBay to shut down the auction ahead of its October 9 end date, while there will surely be an internal investigation into how this happened in the first place.
In the meantime bids are skyrocketing, however — hitting $56,100.00 at time of writing.
A few more pics can be seen below.
Source: TNW
Via: iClarified
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
12 responses to “Alleged iPhone 6 prototype selling for $56k on eBay”
“Accidentally sent one” by Verizon? Suuuuure. Somehow, Apple, who is so careful and secretive with its prototypes, sent a prototype to the factory in China which then accidentally put it into retail packaging, slapped on a label with a unique IMEI and serial number without verifying that the numbers match the device, and then sent it to Verizon. Yeah, that’s believable.
My thoughts exactly. How could Verizon come up with a prototype? It’s pretty much impossible. This guy probably stole it or found it some place. Don’t they have serial numbers on the box that match up with the phone?
I would guess really good clone and fake software or shots. Or perhaps it is legit but not a prototype. Could be perhaps unit pulled for their random QA testing and someone goofed and tossed it in the wrong pile.
I love her 110% guarantee this is a legit prototype. Ghe only way to know that is to work for apple etc
Don’t look now, but it’s now at $55K !!
56k already
Thanks. Updated the story with the new price.
Lies….they probably found it at a bar
Be interesting to see where this one ends up. I don’t believe any of this but I sure would like to meet some of the bidders. PT Barnum was right “there’s a sucker born every minute”?
Yeah because some apple engineer was in China when the verizon iPhones were on the conveyor belt and got his mixed up? No.
It is real.
Alleged iPhone 6 prototype selling for $100,100.00 k
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Rare-Apple-iPhone-6-Prototype-64gb-/171483815097?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item27ed3b5cb9