Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 6 prototype is for sale on eBay, and this news has created a lot of buzz. Why would Apple want to sell the prototype? Well all this happened coz of a blunder committed by the company. While renewing a contract a Verizon customer was mistakenly sent a prototype iPhone 6. The owner chose to sell the device on eBay rather than return it.
Is it actually a prototype?
The picture of the device allegedly the prototype is in a diagnostic mode. The consumer release of iOS is not shown running on the device rather we can see the internal applications that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) uses to test devices before release. The earlier versions of the test software were run on few prototype devices and their images were leaked, as well. The recently leaked photos of the factory test mode are matching with the earlier ones.
A lot of debate goes around selling and buying prototype devices on legal grounds though not very specific laws have been laid down, and the seller seems well aware of this fact as evident from the product listing made. Seller has said that the iPhone maker would never want to let go of these devices, but the auction offers the prospective buyers an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime.
Apple prototype already attracting interest
The bidding for the device has already crossed the mark of USD1600. There are a few indications that confirm it being a prototype. No FCC markings can be found on the device nor there any text besides ‘iPhone.’ The device comes with a red lightning port. The seller has given the below description of the device.
The seller describes the device by saying:
“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 seller guarantees only one thing – the device being a real prototype and providing all the accessories as well – and does not assure if it can work like a normal iPhone. Also, the seller promises that the device will be shipped for free if the bid price exceeds $4000.
There are possibilities that once discovered by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) this auction could soon disappear.
