Manufacturers usually test new functions of their devices on special prototypes, one of which fell into the hands of AppleDemoYT, turning out to be a very unusual copy, Neowin writes.
Interestingly, the specialist bought this very unusual prototype from a Chinese seller who had no idea what the device was, only stating that he got it from a recycling plant electronics.
A cursory review of the iPhone prototype reveals a number of its distinguishing features — on the back panel of the device, the usual “apple” logo; replaced by another symbol, namely the Vesica Piscis, which is a figure formed by the intersection of two equal circles, and has an ancient history. Previously, this symbol was found in Apple's internal documents related, in particular, to the AirTag prototype.
The device has one long volume button instead of the usual two, which may indicate testing of new tactile technology feedback within the Bongo project.
On the side face of the specimen there is an engraving containing technical information, including the code name “RANGER”, which probably means that the prototype passed the strength tests, and part of the inscription “DROP2.5” hints that the device has been drop tested from a height of 2.5 meters.
The smartphone successfully completes initialization when turned on via the serial port, displaying the message MCU Init Done, indicating that the microcontroller is ready for operation. Interestingly, it identifies itself as Bender, like some other Apple test devices, which appears to be a reference to the animated series Futurama.
After disassembling the prototype, the specialist noted the unique layout of its motherboard , as well as a mix of parts from the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. Some components of the device, including the cameras and microphone, are common plastic plugs.
According to the expert, this instance, after all, was a test bench for testing the tactile feedback technology, although some of the developments could be used in the iPhone 14.