Wife forces man to sell purported Apple iPhone prototype for $1,499

What appears to be a prototype for the original 2007 Apple iPhone was sold on EBay on Monday morning for $1,499.

The rare Apple item was sold after receiving 37 bids.

It’s unclear if the device is authentic, but some aspects of its specs check out, especially because the prototype does not run Apple’s iOS mobile operating system. Instead, the item description says the gadget runs on a special test software, which Apple has been known to use on other iOS device prototypes.

“I am selling a very rare original iPhone engineering prototype,� the seller wrote in the item description. “These were used to test the iPhone’s various features. To do so, a special test software was installed, which is still running on the device perfectly.�

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But although the device still works fine and only has one “very tiny mark in the back,� it is nothing more than a collector’s item. The seller said it cannot be used to make a call, and because of the test software, the device’s capabilities are limited.

“It is a pure collectors item and I am sure any collector, such as myself, knows what this is and will value it in their collection,� the seller wrote.

So why was the item for sale then?

“My wife says I have too much stuff, so I have to reduce my collection,� the seller said in the item description.

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