A unique piece of tech history, the “stealth iPod” prototype, is capturing considerable attention as it heads to auction, with experts predicting it could sell for over £36,000 ($50,000).
This oversized prototype played a crucial role in testing Apple’s first iPod while keeping its true design hidden from the public. It was a clever engineering tactic to mask what would eventually become a game-changing product.
Deviating from the sleek and compact design familiar to many, the prototype featured a much larger casing. This allowed Apple employees to experiment with the device in public spaces without giving away the iPod’s final look and feel.
Internally dubbed the Apple P68, the beige-hued prototype remains in excellent condition thanks to Jim Dumont, who played a pivotal role as the fifth engineer enlisted for the original iPod team.
Dumont’s journey with Apple began in 2001 when he joined as a software engineering program manager. His tenure at Apple saw him not only develop the iPod across several generations but also make significant contributions to the creation of the iPhone.
The surviving prototype retains many of the features used during development, including engineering switches, barcode labels, exposed wiring and the oversized casing.
It is accompanied by an archive of Apple development material assembled during Dumont’s time on the iPod team, helping document one of the company’s most closely guarded product launches.
Steve Jobs famously introduced the iPod in 2001 with the promise of “1,000 songs in your pocket”.
Boston-based RR Auction’s Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction Part Two sale concludes on August 20.