December 29th, 2020
@AppleDemoYT
A video leak appears to show a Watch prototype and reveals how Apple gets such devices to developers while still keeping them under a veil of “ultra” security. Released by a leak site called Apple Demo and first discovered via
, it shows a Watch development unit running a pre-WatchOS 1.0 build, complete with Apple’s own internal development apps.
The first thing you see is the box it came in, which is more interesting than it sounds. “This product is classified as Apple Confidential and is designated an ‘Ultra’ security program,” the label on the rear declares. “This prototype MUST be returned when recalled.” Other parts of the sticker are masked to hide its origins, but a “PVTe” designation on the rear shows it’s likely for Prototype Validation Testing.
The casing was part of a secretive protocol Apple called the Ultra security program on December 29, 2020, 14:56
In a nutshell: An Apple leaker has posted some pictures and video online of what is purportedly an early prototype of the Apple Watch. Its bulky black plastic casing is not something that one would find stylish to wear, but it is really only a security precaution that Apple used to keep the physical design of the watch a secret.
A few months ago, Twitter user Apple Demo posted images of what was claimed to be an early Apple Watch prototype. On Monday, Apple Demo showed the test model in action in a YouTube video (top).
Images of an Apple Watch prototype inside a special security case have surfaced, showing pre-watchOS development software and a Lisa Tester app that shows how the finished springboard would look.
Apple tends to build prototype devices and disguise them in bulky cases to let testers use them without drawing unwanted eyes. The testing units are normally destroyed by Apple, but one has seemingly survived and images have been shared of the prototype running internal software.
The prototype in the images lacks a Digital Crown and runs internal testing software that existed pre-watchOS.
9to5Macfirst reported the images, which were shared by Twitter user @AppleDemoYT.
Posted by Mahit Huilgol on Dec 28, 2020 in News
Apple Watch is arguably the most popular smartwatch. A newly surfaced image of the Apple Watch reveals pre-watchOS development and an app called “Lisa Tester.” Also visible is the Apple Watch user interface via Springboard.
The Apple Watch prototype is enclosed in a security case. This helps the company secure Apple Watch and ensure that the design is not leaked in any manner. Typically, Apple destroys the testing units. However, some testing units seem to have lived to tell the tale. It is interesting to get a sneak peek at the Apple Watch prototype running internal software. That said, there is no digital crown while the device runs pre-watchOS software.
Leaked Prototype Photos Offer Rare Glimpse at Early Apple Watch
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The Apple Watch has become an iconic smartwatch, but things could’ve turned out very differently. Leaked images of what appears to be an Apple Watch prototype show just how far it has come since its early days in development.
Apple prototypes are extremely rare. These particular images were posted by Twitter user @AppleDemoYT and initially reported on by 9to5 Mac. Apple also has a history of disguising its prototypes you may recall the iPhone 4 prototype that Gizmodo of yore obtained, which was dressed up to look like an iPhone 3GS. It’s no different with this prototype Apple Watch, which is built into a bulky case that makes it look sort of like a mini iPho