Many Apple Watch prototypes

Today, many Apple Watch prototypes, seen over the years.

I enjoy posting about prototypes because I find it interesting to document things that often appear and then disappear quickly. But as the drafts pile up—and since I don’t plan to post several a day like I did last year—I’ll now create one big post for each product category. I’ll start with the Apple Watches seen throughout the year.

Development boards, accessories, and mockups

Seen on X, a development board used for the Apple Watch Series 2. It’s an EVT model with a screen, sensor, and the various buttons spread out on a large development board.

Seen on X, the same board with additional photos. You can see it has 8 GB of memory, along with some OS details.

Seen on X, a mockup of the first Apple Watch. It’s dated the 8th week of 2014—well before the watch’s release.

Seen on X, a development motherboard for the Apple Watch Series 0 (the first one), featuring an S1 chip. Kosutami shows that it boots once connected to a screen and battery, running a standard operating system.

Seen on X, a connector tool for modern Apple Watches. It enables wireless connection with Apple Watches (starting from Series 7) for updates via a computer.

Seen on X, a mockup of a ceramic Apple Watch Series 0 (the first model). This version was only introduced with the Apple Watch Series 2 a year later. Apparently, this one was at the DVT stage. You can tell it’s a Series 0 by the diagnostic port with six pins.

Seen on X, an Apple Watch shell with strange markings and a few too many  logos. Given the five-pin diagnostic connector, it’s likely a Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3.

Seen on X, a prototype of the Apple Watch Series 5. A large portion of the watch is missing, and it’s a 40 mm version.

Seen on X, more photos of the same Apple Watch Series 5.

Seen on X, a motherboard from an Apple Watch Series 4. It’s an EVT model for a 40 mm watch.

Seen on X, a prototype of a ceramic Apple Watch Series 4. It was never released due to gaps around the glass, similar to those seen in earlier models. Both white and gray versions are shown.

Seen on YouTube, Apple Watch prototypes. The first is a block of black plastic used in the development of wristbands—the teams responsible for bands started with this model. The second is a watch case dating back to the 8th week of 2014, well before the official release. You can notice the absence of speaker holes, the diagnostic connector, and other features.

Then there are two Apple Watch Series 5 prototypes—one 40 mm and one 44 mm. They are empty with metal display panels, likely used for specific testing.

Seen on X, an accessory related to the Apple Watch: the optional charger that came with some Apple Watch Edition models.

Seen on X, a menu from an Apple Watch prototype. It shows that Apple originally considered 4000 series aluminum (lighter but less strong) instead of 7000 series aluminum. In another post, you can see it in a video.

Apple Watch Series 0

Seen on X, a prototype of a ceramic Apple Watch. It’s a first-generation model (you can see the six-pin diagnostic connector) running a test OS. Apple didn’t release a Series 0 in ceramic — they waited until the Series 2.

Seen on a forum (MacRumors), a few images of a Series 0 Apple Watch running a test OS.

Seen on X, three (almost) gold Apple Watches. These aren’t prototypes in the strict sense, but gold-plated models intended for Apple Stores, so they wouldn’t have to display units worth several thousand euros.

Apple Watch Series 1

Seen on X, a prototype of the Apple Watch Series 1, which is quite uncommon.

Apple Watch Series 2

Seen on X, a prototype of the Apple Watch Series 2 running the test OS. The markings are those of a Series 0 watch, but the internals are definitely Series 2, with the 5-pin diagnostic connector.

Apple Watch Series 3

Seen on X, a development Apple Watch Series 3. It’s a 42 mm cellular model (based on the red crown and the markings), and it’s running the test OS.

Apple Watch Series 4

Seen on X, a prototype of the Apple Watch Series 4. It’s running the test OS, and the notches at the band connectors indicate that it’s a demo watch meant to be mounted on a demo iPad in an Apple Store.

Seen on eBay, a prototype of the Apple Watch Series 4 with an Apple Store charger. It’s a demo-mode watch, and you can clearly see the USB-C charger running under the band.

Seen on eBay, another Apple Watch Series 4 (I think) with an Apple Store charger.

There’s another listing that seems to show a different watch (the band is broken), although I’m not entirely sure.