Given that there is a substantial rumor industry that traffics in details about upcoming Apple products, the recently emerged photos of an alleged next-generation Apple iPhone prototype could reasonably be viewed with suspicion. But now it appears the photos are genuine, as Apple’s legal department has formally asked for the prototype back.
The prototype of Apple’s 4G iPhone was reportedly discovered last month on the floor of a San Francisco Bay area bar, where it had been lost by an Apple employee. The device was purchased by a technology site, Gizmodo, and photos and details were published on that site and others. On Monday, Gawker Media editorial director Brian Lam reported that he received a letter from the head of Apple’s legal department requesting the return of the prototype. Gawker Media owns Gizmodo.
Left During Birthday Celebration
“It has come to our attention that Gizmodo is currently in possession of a device that belongs to Apple,” the letter from Apple Senior Vice President and General Counsel Bruce Sewell said. “This letter constitutes a formal request that you return the device to Apple.” Sewell concludes by asking for information about “where to pick up the unit.”
Gizmodo has said it bought the lost prototype from the person who found it for $5,000.
Lam told news media he provided Sewell with the name of someone who could arrange for the return, and that he “didn’t know it was stolen.” His reference to “stolen” is unclear, since the prevailing story indicates it was lost and found, although it’s not clear exactly how Gizmodo became aware of it.
Apple reportedly wiped the unit remotely once it went missing. According to news reports, the employee who misplaced it in the bar was Apple software engineer Gray Powell, and the device was left on a bar stool at Gourmet Haus Staudt in…