When Apple first showed off the original iPhone in early 2007, the demo included a Lock Screen image of a pair of clownfish. The pic was not on the device when it shipped, but some people say the picture is included in the just-released iOS 16 beta 3.
Bringing back the image after 15 years is apparently a sort of Easter egg to celebrate the anniversary.
Steve Jobs’ iPhone clownfish return
The clownfish were part of the supporting cast of the original iPhone launch back in 2007. When Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the company’s first smartphone, the colorful fish appeared on the Lock Screen.
And during Jobs’ demo, the image served as the background for the Phone app, which in those days played a much more prominent role on the device. Images Apple sent out also included the fish.
Some of those who installed iOS 16 developer beta 3 on Wednesday say they found the clownfish pic included in the default collections of images that can be used as wallpapers for the iPhone’s Lock Screen.
THEY BROUGHT BACK THE FISH IN IOS 16 BETA 3 pic.twitter.com/6mPZti3GlW
— Ian Zelbo (@ianzelbo) July 6, 2022
Has anyone else noticed this in iOS 16 Beta 3? pic.twitter.com/ywiC0MsfJr
— Jack Roberts (@jacklroberts) July 6, 2022
However, the situation seems somewhat fishy. Not everyone who installs iOS 16 beta 3 gets the clownfish picture. It’s not on Cult of Mac’s test iPhone 13, for example.
It’s possible Apple will repeat itself and not put the clownfish image in the final version of iOS 16 when it launches this autumn. The picture might once again appear then disappear.
