Source: GIULIO ZOMPETTI
What you need to know
- New Apple Watch prototypes have surfaced after an Italian was able to buy them.
- He says the came from e-waste facilities.
- They have markets consistent with Apple prototype devices.
Apple released the first Apple Watch in April 2015 and since then it's become the dominant force in the smartwatch market. But before there can be any product, there must be prototypes. And some Apple Watch prototypes dating to around 2014 have surfaced after they were picked up from e-waste recycling facilities.
As Motherboard notes, Giulio Zompetti, a 27-year-old from Northern Italy isn't saying exactly where these things came from as you might expect. But he does say that while they're all broken, all of the important parts remain. He hopes to repair the prototypes and then sell them on.
And, according to Motherboard, it looks like these are in fact the real deal – they have all the markings of an Apple prototype.
Source: GIULIO ZOMPETTI
Some of the watches display a rare logo reminiscent of the Star Wars' Death Star, a logo that's been displayed on iPhone prototypes in the past. Zompetti has a history of obtaining rare prototype Apple devices, and he believes these are authentic Apple devices. The markings, QR codes, and logos on them are reminiscent of prototype iPhones Motherboard has seen and used in the past.
We often see prototype iPhones, MacBooks, and more appear on eBay of all places before they mysteriously disappear. Apple Watch prototypes are rare, however, and it's super interesting to get a glimpse at one from before the world even knew what an Apple Watch was.
Review: Bravely Default 2 sticks to the franchise's classic JRPG formula
Bravely Default 2 brings the JRPG series to the Switch but offers familiar story beats and mechanics for fans of the old school JRPG series. If you're up for a challenge and don't mind the grind, it will deliver plenty of charm and room for experimentation.
Review: Carry all essentials and more with Monos Metro Backpack
It doesn't matter if you're skipping town or packing for your morning commute, the Monos Metro Backpack enables you to carry all of your essentials and more.
RIP Mario — long live Zelda!
The Mario Bros.' 35th Anniversary celebration officially ends on March 31. We can't wait because it's supposedly holding another Nintendo franchise hostage.
Don't let your Apple Watch get damaged; get a case
The best Apple Watch cases can help you avert disaster. You may think you don't need a protective case for your Apple Watch until it gets all scratched up, or worse, cracked. Don't make that mistake. Protect your watch from the elements.