KGrHqMOKicE3326 5RsBODdcHDWhg 3
As noted by ThisIsMyNext, a prototype iPhone 4 appeared on eBay this weekend. This prototype iPhone 4 has many of the signs that it is a pre-release device. The volume buttons don't have the + and - markings as the production models have, and the FCC ID, Size and Model numbers are X'd out on the back casing. The eBay description details the findings:

1. iPhone has wear on the frame, some small marks on the rear cover, small marks on the screen. No cracks and no deep scratches.
2. Volume buttons don't have the usual + for upper button and - for lower volume button
3. Phone will not activate on at&t and when syncing with iTunes it says that this phone can not be activated with at&t sim card it won't activate (please review picture #10)
4. On rear cover Model No.: XXXXX FCC ID: BCGAXXXXX IC ID: 579C-AXXXXX (please review picture #8)
5. Front screen and rear cover has some type of numbers printed on the inside.

The iPhone 4 prototype is notable for being one of the most leaked Apple devices ever. A prototype of the device was said to be found in a bar, after which it was sold to gadget blog Gizmodo. The site then did a tear down and analysis of the device well before its launch.

KGrHqYOKocE35getHUBODdczevUQ 3
Update: As is frequently the case with Apple prototypes appearing on eBay, the auction has been shut down.

Top Rated Comments

Adidas Addict Avatar
188 months ago
RU for real
Yes.

Where do you think most stolen items get sold in this day and age (not to mention all the blatant fake items on ebay)? If not craigslist then ebay. If you think otherwise then you're naive.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pewra Avatar
188 months ago
As noted by a commenter here (http://thisismynext.com/2011/07/03/iphone-4-prototype-shows-ebay/#comment-241648222), the iTunes logo didn't change until 3 months after the iPhone was released. Assuming that a prototype wouldn't be able to use a stock firmware, this is looking a bit doubtful.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
batchtaster Avatar
188 months ago
And the auction is now taken down. I wonder if it was the seller or eBay?
It may have been

Payment will not be accepted using paypal due to high fees and fraud. I WILL ONLY ACCEPT Cashier check and only after it clears I will then ship the item.
rather than the item itself. eBay are militant about requiring PayPal. Basically, sell all the stolen goods you want, but don't diss PayPal.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nicolas4ever Avatar
188 months ago
Why someone to spent 100,000 for a prototype that's not even functional.:apple::apple::apple:
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wordoflife Avatar
188 months ago
I have a feeling that the one who is bidding the highest will just back out of it and not pay.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
batchtaster Avatar
188 months ago
$100,000?

Punk'd.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
Cyber Monday Deals 2025

Best Cyber Monday Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Monday is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running....
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...