Here’s a rare look at real Apple iPhone prototypes from 2006 – on the left, we see what eventually became the inspiration for the real handset, while the image on the right shows an iPod Mini-inspired device. Fortunately (or unfortunately), both of these prototypes never made it past concept form. Continue reading for more pictures and information.
Apple designer Richard Howarth took note of the renders, and in a 2006 email told Ive that that he felt the design allowed for a “much smaller-looking product with a much nicer shape” for making calls when compared to another prototype, referred to as “P2.” The extruded design of the P2 bears a striking resemblance to the iPod Mini, with a large screen replacing the scroll wheel (looking at the P2 prototype also strongly brings Nokia’s Lumia line to mind).