The Apple Watch has become an iconic smartwatch, but things could have turned out very differently. Filtered images of what appears to be a prototype Apple Watch show how far it has come in its early days of development.
Apple prototypes are extremely rare. These specific images were posted by a Twitter user @AppleDemoYT and initially reported by 9to5 Mac. Apple also has a history of disguising its prototypes; you will remember the prototype of the iPhone 4 that Gizmodo of yesteryear got, which was dressed to look like an iPhone 3GS. It’s no different with this prototype Apple Watch, built into a bulky case that makes it look like some sort of iPhone or iPod.
The case has two buttons on the side and something that looks like the old iPhone home button, and the outside of the box it seems to retain the digital crown and button we all know. The prototype also appears to use internal software that predates watchOS, with a “Springboard zoom” app showing the home screen of watchOS. Another clean Easter egg is a “Lisa Tester” app, which refers to Apple’s 80s Lisa computer and includes an adorable Lisa Simpson icon. Another screen clearly indicates that the prototype is not FCC approved and therefore cannot be sold or rented.
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The first Apple Watch was launched in 2015, so it’s likely that this test unit dates back at least to 2014, or maybe earlier. In 2015, Wired released a piece in depth detailing the development history of the Apple Watch. There were some descriptions of the first prototype Apple Watch, which was actually an iPhone connected to a “very well-designed velcro strap.” Supposedly, it also had a custom dongle in the shape of a “real watch crown that connected to the bottom of the phone via the cable socket.”
It is always right to see which features and design elements end up in the final product and which ones are within the reach of the story. It seems that some aspects of the UI prototype (at least those shown in the image) ended up turning it into watchOS. It’s a mystery exactly how this particular prototype exists, especially because Apple is known for destroying test units and for its strong non-disclosure agreements. Recently, photos from 2007 showing the production line of the first iPhone as well appeared on Twitter. These leaks show a bit of technology history, one of which gadget lovers everywhere would like to see more of.