A rare Apple iPhone prototype, known as the ‘Vesica Piscis’ model, has surfaced, offering a glimpse into a version of the iPhone that never made it to production. Shared by the YouTube channel ‘Apple Demo,’ the prototype is believed to have been used for testing haptic feedback functionality, particularly for the volume and power buttons—features that were long rumored but never released in production models.
This unique prototype combines elements from both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, though it’s not a fully functional device. It shows several distinctive features, such as a copper-coated battery and placeholders for the camera and Face ID components. On the back, the traditional Apple logo is replaced by the Vesica Piscis symbol, which holds historical significance related to creation and innovation.
The most intriguing part of the leak is the inclusion of haptic feedback buttons for the volume and power controls. This aligns with Apple’s ‘Project Bongo,’ an internal initiative that sought to eliminate physical buttons in favor of touch-sensitive ones, a concept that has yet to be fully realized in any iPhone model.
Interestingly, while the prototype cannot function as a typical iPhone, it does connect to macOS under the codename “Bender,” suggesting it was at least in a developmental stage.
The discovery of this prototype has sparked speculation about Apple’s future direction, with many wondering if the company might explore a fully buttonless, or even portless, iPhone in the future.