A mysterious iPhone prototype leaks: Apple continues testing haptic buttons

Apple creates prototypes of all products. Not just one, several. It tests different features, designs, capabilities, and subsequently releases the winning version to the general public. A public that, generally, never sees this process. Sometimes, however, something leaks. This is the case of a mysterious iPhone prototype that has come to light thanks to AppleDemoYT. This device, nicknamed the “Vesica Piscis,” comes from an electronics recycling center, and gives us a glimpse of the experiments and tests that Apple conducts before launching new features and designs in iPhones.

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A hybrid prototype that may still see the light of day

The “Vesica Piscis” is a particularly intriguing prototype. Like others, it lacks the traditional apple logo on its back. Instead, it features a symbol composed of two intersecting crescent shapes, forming a figure known as vesica piscis in Latin. This symbol, which has already appeared on other Apple test devices, represents the intersection of two identical circles. It is a very ancient geometric shape whose symbolism and relevance must have undoubtedly caught the attention of Apple’s design team.

What makes the Vesica Piscis prototype unique, however, is not its appearance, but the components it possesses. Some parts are identifiable with those of the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, but it also has pieces that do not belong to any of these models. Instead of the classic volume and power buttons we are familiar with, this prototype has buttons that do not click when pressed. As far as we know, Apple has been researching haptic feedback buttons for iPhones for several years, and although these did not materialize in the iPhone 15, this prototype seems to have served to explore this technology and may be the key to its arrival in future models.

As mentioned in the video, the volume buttons are not separate but form a single combined button, and the SIM card tray is shorter than usual and is secured with screws for greater durability. On the side of the device, an inscription indicates that the prototype was in the “Ranger” phase, which usually implies that it was used in field tests. In other words, Apple must have taken the device to real environments to assess its performance and usability before deciding whether to incorporate the new designs.

Inside the device, some components, like the camera, are purely decorative and do not function, although they do serve as placeholders. It is also noteworthy that the internal wiring is minimal, limited to a few connectors linking the charging port and the buttons.

When turned on, the iPhone displays a technical message about the initialization of microcontrollers, and when connected to a Mac, the device appears labeled as “Bender,” a recurring nod in prototypes to the Futurama character. This particular one, however, does not respond to touch or other commands, indicating that Apple did not advance, at least with this one, to conventional use, but rather for very specific tests.

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Through the serial number, it can be deduced that the Vesica Piscis was manufactured in May 2021, which rules out it being a prototype of the iPhone 13 Pro, as that model was already in its final production phase at that time. However, its camera is similar to that of the iPhone 14 Pro, making it a sort of hybrid that combines components from both generations.

Although, for now, it never became a final product, this strange iPhone offers us a fascinating glimpse into Apple’s experimental process. A reminder of the attempts and trials the company undertakes before deciding which innovations make it to the new iPhones each year.