Images have surfaced of a prototype Apple Watch in a special security case, containing pre-watchOS development software and a “Lisa Tester” app showing what the completed springboard would look like.
Apple tends to prototype devices and hide them in bulky cases so that testers can use them without drawing unwanted eyes. The test units are normally destroyed by Apple, but one of them seemingly survived and images of the prototype have been shared with internal software.
The prototype in the images lacks 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 testing apps and development settings. It is extremely amazing that such a thing can still exist; without being destroyed. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/WDTWP0NpIp
– Apple Demo (@AppleDemoYT) December 27, 2020
One image shows a warning that the device is not approved by the FCC and should not be sold. Some of the software is similar to the final watchOS 1.0 UI, but one app that stands out is an image of Lisa Simpson, a reference to the Apple Lisa Computer, and an app used to test Springboard and other functions.
Leaks from Apple’s internal testing team are rare as they are kept under lock, key and nondisclosure agreements. Another recent leak showed Apple’s 2007 iPhone assembly line, which revealed some of the quality assurance tests performed on the new devices.