A Mysterious "Ranger" iPhone Prototype Surfaces: Vesica Piscis Design, Haptic Buttons, and Experimental Features

A Mysterious "Ranger" iPhone Prototype Surfaces: Vesica Piscis Design, Haptic Buttons, and Experimental FeaturesThe YouTube channel AppleDemoYT recently released a video showcasing an extremely rare iPhone prototype sourced from an electronics recycling facility. This prototype deviates from the familiar Apple logo, sporting a unique "Vesica Piscis" designtwo intersecting circlespreviously seen on early AirTag prototypes and widely used in architecture and art

A Mysterious "Ranger" iPhone Prototype Surfaces: Vesica Piscis Design, Haptic Buttons, and Experimental Features

The YouTube channel AppleDemoYT recently released a video showcasing an extremely rare iPhone prototype sourced from an electronics recycling facility. This prototype deviates from the familiar Apple logo, sporting a unique "Vesica Piscis" designtwo intersecting circlespreviously seen on early AirTag prototypes and widely used in architecture and art.

Visually, the prototype blends design elements from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro while possessing unique traits. The most striking feature is the volume and power buttons, which are non-mechanical, lacking the familiar click feel. Rumors had circulated that Apple explored haptic feedback for the physical buttons on the iPhone 15, but it appears this feature didn't make it to the final product. Interestingly, the prototype utilizes a single volume button rather than separate buttons. Additionally, the SIM card slot boasts a shorter design and is secured with a screw. The side of the device is inscribed with "Ranger," indicating it's in the "field testing" phase of prototype development.

Internally, components like the camera are non-functional placeholders, and the number of internal cables connecting to the motherboard is minimaljust one for the charging port and another for the buttons. The motherboard layout is unique, sitting somewhere between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro. Upon booting up, the iPhone displays a message indicating the microcontroller's initialization is complete. When connected to a Mac, the device is identified as "Bender," a nod to the animated series "Futurama." Sadly, the device is currently unresponsive to any touch inputs.

Based on the serial number, this device was manufactured in May 2021, prior to the iPhone 13 Pro's release. However, given that the iPhone 13 Pro should have been finalized around this time, it's unlikely this is a prototype for that specific model. While the camera module shares similarities with the iPhone 14 Pro, the hybrid nature of its components makes it challenging to pinpoint its specific connection to existing iPhone models.

AppleDemoYT speculates that this iPhone isn't a prototype for a specific iPhone model but rather an experimental device designed to test innovative features, such as haptic button technology.

This mysterious "Ranger" iPhone prototype fuels speculation about Apple's future product designs. Does it signify new technologies Apple will adopt? Could it indicate a complete shift away from physical buttons? Only time will tell.