14 DAY TRIAL // If you have $60,000 (€48,000) to throw away and an affinity for lost pre-production iDevices, you’re in luck. There’s currently a listing up on eBay for a prototype iPhone 6 selling for that particular amount.
Seller kimberlyk1018 appears to be legitimate, and the same goes for the product itself. The bidding started last week at a meagre $1,000 (€780).
Apple letting this one slide?
Whenever situations like these arise – people selling stolen / lost prototypes on eBay – Apple takes action. Sometimes it even calls in the authorities to remove the product and fine the seller. However, this time around, both the prototype and the seller remain unscathed.
“For sale is a brand new never used Apple iPhone 6 Prototype,” says the seller. “Apple does NOT let these phones out of their possession yet I was accidentally sent one upon renewing my contract. As you can see from the photos, iOS8 has not been placed on this device, rather it is in the true developer mode.”
The phone allegedly comes from Verizon. The carrier seemingly messed up and sent this person a pre-production unit instead of a normal iPhone 6 targeted at consumers.
According to the seller, “There are no FCC markings on the rear of the device or a model number [...] The lightening port is red which is a sure sign of a prototype.”
The device is being sold as is, while the current owner takes no responsibility if it doesn’t make calls or if the camera is nonfunctional. Which is something you should expect from a prototype unit.
The phone comes with its own box, headphones, Lightning cable, and wall charger, “as well as all the paperwork,” according to the seller, who throws in free shipping. “I am also giving a 110% guarantee on this being an authentic Apple prototype device,” the person adds, though no one except Apple can offer their seal of approval.
How did it get to $60,000 (€48,000)?
There are two theories. Either the seller is inflating the price on purpose by having friends place exaggerated bids (then remove them when the auction is over), or some people are indeed willing to cough up this much money for an Apple prototype.
Had it been the original iPhone (2G), it would have been more understandable. Then again, every iDevice has its flair.
There’s still time for Apple to ask for the removal of this item, so don’t get too attached to it. Again, the price is $60,000 (€48,000) at the time of this writing, and there are three days to go before the auction comes to an end.