Images of an Apple Watch prototype in a special safety box emerged, showing the pre-watchOS development software and a “Lisa Tester” application that shows what the finished trampoline would look like.
Apple tends to build device prototypes and disguise them in bulky boxes to allow testers to use them without attracting unwanted eyes. The test units are usually destroyed by Apple, but one apparently survived and the images of the prototype running internal software were shared.
The prototype in the images does not have a digital crown and runs internal testing software that existed before watchOS. 9to5Mac first reported the images, which were shared by Twitter user @AppleDemoYT.
Prototype Apple Watch with Security Case performs an Internal Pre-WatchOS 1.0 build, complete with internal test applications and development settings. It is extremely surprising that something like this can still exist; without having been destroyed. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/WDTWP0NpIp
– Apple Demo (@AppleDemoYT) December 27, 2020
An image displays a warning that the device has not been approved by the FCC and cannot be sold. Part of the software is similar to the end user interface of watchOS 1.0, but an app that stands out is an image of Lisa Simpson, a reference to the Apple Lisa Computer and an application used to test the trampoline and other functions.
Leaks from Apple’s internal testing team rarely happen, as they are kept locked, locked and under non-disclosure agreements. Another recent leak showed the assembly line for Apple’s 2007 iPhone, which showed some of the quality assurance tests done on the new devices.