First iPhone Prototype: Was the First Apple iPhone Supposed to be Bigger?

First iPhone Prototype: Although the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone has come a long way over the years, many people still look back and wonder how the Cupertino-based company beat the competition to the market with such ease.

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According to a report by Ars Technica, the first iPhone prototype was nothing like what consumers finally purchased. In fact, the display was 5 x 7 and the frame nearly 2 inches thick. In other words, it looked more like an iPad and less like an iPhone. Note: you can see images of the prototype by clicking through to the Ars Technica article.

Here is some more information from the article:

“As seen in the gallery above, this early prototype has a number of ports that we’re used to seeing more commonly on computers than on mobile devices, including USB ports, an Ethernet port, and even a serial port. Apple never intended for all of these to make it into the final product, of course—our source said that because this was a development prototype, ports like Ethernet and serial were included simply to make working on the device easier. Still, “at that early date no one knew what [the final device] would be,” the source emphasized, highlighting the constantly changing nature of Apple’s development process.”

It is interesting to note that the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone prototype changed many times during the development process. Perhaps, it is this attention to detail that has made the company so successful over the years. In other words, they were not going to stop until they had the phone just right.

Looking back at the size of the prototype, you may laugh and wonder what the company was thinking. But remember, this was 2005. It may look big to you right now, but back then a device with this many features was actually quite impressive – regardless of size.

What are your thoughts on this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone prototype? Share your opinion in the comment section below.

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DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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