The $50,000 iPhone that can't even make calls: Rare prototype Apple handset running secret test software goes on sale on eBay 

By Mark Prigg For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

A rare prototype of the iPhone 6 has gone on sale on eBay - and is already attracting bids of over $50,000.

The handset has a rare red lightning connector, marking it out as a prototype device.

It also runs Apple's 'SwitchBoard' software, which the company uses for testing handsets - but also usually disables the phone and camera functions.

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The handset has a rare red lightning connector, marking it out as a prototype device. It also runs Apple's 'SwitchBoard' software (pictured), which the company uses for testing handsets.

The handset has a rare red lightning connector, marking it out as a prototype device. It also runs Apple's 'SwitchBoard' software (pictured), which the company uses for testing handsets.

THE SKANKPHONE 

The original codename for the iPhone at Apple was Purple.

However, to stop even those working on the project from seeing all of it, a rough tablet like gadget was created that plugged into a Mac computer, so engineers could work of the software without knowing what the phone would look like.

Accord to fast.co, this was dubbed the skankphone.

The listing was posted earlier today with a starting price of $4,999.

However, at the time of writing the bids had rocketed past $53,000.

'I bought this item from a friend of mine, it is a iPhone 6 prototype, it has no FCC logos, Serial Number or Imei.' the seller says in the listing.

'From what I know it runs a debugging OS called SwitchBoard and features a red lightning dock port with a serial number of C39NW00KG876.' 

In 2014, a prototype iPhone 6 with the same red Lightning connector reached over $100,000 with nearly 200 bids. 

Ultimately, however, the listing was pulled from eBay before the device was actually sold.

The original codename for the iPhone at Apple was Purple.

However, to stop even those working on the project from seeing all of it, a rough tablet like gadget was created that plugged into a Mac computer, so engineers could work of the software without knowing what the phone would look like.

Internally, this was dubbed the skankphone.

The handset has a rare red lightning connector, marking it out as a prototype device.

It has none of the FCC details and other data a production iPhone would have

 

  

 

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