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Prototype iPhone 3GS on eBay? (No, No Matte Case) [Updated]


FixYourThinking.com (via Cult of Mac) reports on a "sketch-looking" non functional white iPhone that is being sold on eBay as a prototype iPhone 3GS.

The seller says theres a problem with restoring the software: This device is not eligible for the requested build, iTunes says when he tries to restore it.

The seller, vofffka, of Ocean City, New Jersey, says an Apple genius at his local retail store verified the iPhone as an Apple product, but cant service it, because its never been sold.

For those curious, the additional photos of the device's casing show that it does not have the rumored matte case that was thought to be destined for the iPhone 3GS. We can't be sure the auction is real, but prototype Apple devices have been known to find their way onto eBay. A prototype of the original iPhone was also sold on eBay.

Update: Based on the model numbers inscribed on the case, it seems at best this is a prototype 3G, not 3GS.

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34 months ago
Pretty cool. I'd not buy it though :)
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34 months ago
another compelling iphone article on the front page
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34 months ago
Would have been a great find 6 months ago...
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34 months ago
You people are missing the point.

This iPhone has a cable built into the screen.

It's definitely some kind of prototype...
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34 months ago
ummmm i dont think its a 3GS..i think its just a 3G....the lettering on the back isnt mirrored, its just gray, and unless you open it up or find a way to turn it on you wont be able to tell the difference
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34 months ago

You people are missing the point.

This iPhone has a cable built into the screen.

It's definitely some kind of prototype...


Totally. Obviously not a prototype of the iPhone 3GS, but rather of the rumored iPhone E10633 with front-facing USB cable! The "E" stands for "Edgy"!
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34 months ago

ummmm i dont think its a 3GS..i think its just a 3G....the lettering on the back isnt mirrored, its just gray, and unless you open it up or find a way to turn it on you wont be able to tell the difference


I'm sure it will sell, only on ebay can you get away with this.
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34 months ago
Can someone put up a comparison photo, I don't own an iPhone so I'm curious to see the difference.
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34 months ago
If you look at the picture in the ebay auction it has the same iPhone id and FCC # as the 3g so im saying itsjust a 3g that won't restore
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34 months ago
Maybe the seller will get a ton of money for it and be able to buy himself a decent digital camera for future pictures of his stuff for sale.
I'm not bidding....
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