Before the presentation of each new Apple gadget, the network is flooded with numerous spy leaks: fuzzy shots, homemade renders and other visual content. Some materials look quite realistic and even come to life. Others, on the other hand, are far removed from what Apple is showing the world. However, not all of the latter are outright lies. Some are simply prototypes that were dropped during the development phase. Some of them look impressive and even cause sadness that they did not go into the series. What are the transparent AirPods!
The very first AirPods could be transparent
In November 2021, Giulio Zompetti, a well-known collector of Apple gadgets published Twitter is a snapshot of basic AirPods in an almost completely transparent case. After the loud release of Nothing Ear 1 in a similar performance, such images got many Apple fans thinking. I wonder why the beloved company did not stop at a similar design of their first fully wireless headphones. However, most of those who would like to see something similar from Apple are technologists who are tired of the everyday appearance of devices. It is unlikely that such an opinion can be considered public.
Vintage EarBuds with transparent case
Curiously, transparent AirPods were far from the first Apple experiment in the headphone category. On Robbie Veith’s Pinterest board, I was able to find in-ear EarBuds in a similar design. It is a pity that in the picture the earbuds are in the case, so you won’t be able to view them from all sides. However, it is clear that the arrangement of the components inside the headphones is far from the most pleasant, if I may say so. Obviously, industrial design specialists need to think over the device in great detail from the inside if the task is to make it transparent.
29W Transparent Power Supply for MacBook Air
Another extremely rare Apple prototype in a transparent case is the 29W power supply for the MacBook Air. His Twitter snapshot not too long ago shared Giulio Zompetti, who threw in there pictures of basic AirPods in a similar format. The accessory looks extremely curious and really deserves attention. It is difficult to say whether Apple engineers thought about such a format of the accessory as the final one, but it is already very interesting from the outside. However, there is confidence, if they decided to leave the case transparent, it would be possible to come up with something even more curious.
An early prototype of the Apple VideoPad, written off by Jobs
In November 2021, an extremely rare and very curious prototype of Apple’s gadget was sold at the Bonhams auction. We’re talking about the VideoPad, which went under the hammer for more than $ 14,000. The device was in production sometime between 1993 and 1995. He was the next attempt to create something like a pocket computer after the failed Newton Message Pad. However, it is also very difficult to call VideoPad something really worthwhile from the point of view of usability. It was assumed that the device, among other things, will be used for video communication. However, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple after the “break”, he wrote it off along with the rest of not particularly promising devices.
Rare iPhone 4 prototype with Death Star logo
Another incredibly rare Apple prototype. iPhone 4 with the Death Star logo on the back instead of a bitten apple appeared on the DongleBookPro YouTube channel in early November 2021. It seems that this device was once planned as an advertising campaign for Disney, but in the end it never took place. It is curious that the device has a slightly different arrangement of structural elements. For example, there are no screws for disassembling the case on the bottom edge – to remove the panel, you need to use a special latch, which is hidden in the SIM card slot. An extremely curious specimen.
Preliminary prototype of the very first iPod model
In October 2021, Cabel Sasser of the Panic blog shared an extremely rare prototype of the iPod music player. We are talking about a preliminary copy of the device, which was used by the developers long before the final package of the device was ready. The device is large enough. It has all the necessary control elements that made it possible to form an idea of ​​the future gadget, but not 100%. Special attention should be paid to the navigation wheel iPod click wheel, which looks exactly different on the prototype than in the final model. Tony Fadell, father of the iPod, confirmed the authenticity of this device, which only added to its significance.
A preliminary prototype Apple Watch in the form of a phone
Many are sure that Apple itself distributes prototypes to its conditional insiders in order to create additional hype around each new device. It is difficult to say if this is actually the case, but some preliminary copies suggest otherwise. This preliminary prototype of the Apple Watch, for example, was obviously created precisely so that the developers did not have a specific understanding of exactly how the manufacturer’s first smartwatches were supposed to look. In more detail, this instance can be viewed on the video on the Apple Demo YouTube channel. Something tells me that the developers clearly understood that this was not just a cell phone from Apple.
Another early prototype Apple Watch in the form of a Tamagotchi
Another early Apple Watch prototype that was also merged into the network resource Apple Demo, no longer looks like a mobile phone – it resembles a Tamagotchi. Apparently, it was the next step in breaking the veil with which Apple was trying with all its might to protect its first smartwatch. From this device, it is already quite clear to yourself that you need to put it on your hand or some other part of the body. The final design of the gadget in this case is not disclosed – however, the developers may well work with the appearance and functionality of the gadget software.
An amazing laptop called WALT
In the summer of 2012, a curious prototype of a laptop called WALT appeared on eBay. The name of this gadget is an acronym that stands for Wizzy Active Lifestyle Telephone. Apple showed this device at MacWorld Boston in 1993. The device was equipped with a liquid crystal touch display with handwriting recognition, fax, as well as an address book and even online banking. However, the device never went on sale – being an analogue of Newton in a slightly different format, it did not seem promising. However, as a collectible, it turned out to be more interesting.
The incredibly coveted Cellular MacBook
While looking for interesting rare prototypes, Apple accidentally stumbled upon a MacBook with a cellular antenna. It was posted on his Pinterest board by a user under the nickname Robbie Veith, who was already linked above in the text. There are no details about this device, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. A cellular laptop seems to be an extremely handy device even today. Someone can parry – they say, it is quite possible to distribute mobile Internet on a MacBook from the same iPhone. But in practice, one “full-fledged” device seems to me personally more priority.
Early prototype iPhone in a conventionally “square” case
Of course, from among the early prototypes, one can single out preliminary versions of the iPhone. An Apple smartphone in a similar case with sharp corners looks very fresh. It is difficult to say whether it would be convenient to use such a device if it did go into production or not. There is a feeling that the corners would dig deep into the palm and would not give a positive impression from daily use. It seems that is why this prototype was discarded, and it never went into production.
One of the first iPad prototypes with two power ports
An important feature of one of the first iPad prototypes is the presence of two power ports at once. They are positioned in such a way that it is convenient to use the tablet in any orientation – both vertically and horizontally. It’s good that until now Apple has come up with new interfaces for connecting auxiliary accessories to the iPad, but the inability to charge it from either side after considering this prototype specifically upset me very much. However, for modern iPads, which have already been transferred to USB-C, it would be better to place a couple of ports side by side for active use with peripherals, and not on different edges.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
