Apple's First iPhone Prototype Circa 1983 Tweet

Apple had an iPhone way back in 1983. It might not have been all that portable, but it still had a touch screen, and reeked of early 1980’s computer design.

The design in question was a prototype by designer Hartmut Esslinger who just so happened to be the same guy who designed the Apple IIc. The design looks like the marriage of a desktop phone and a simple touch screen tablet.

Obviously as a prototype not much is known about the intentions behind the device other than Apple had Esslinger produce it. However, the prototype does appear to be running some sort of digital checkbook program. The hand in questions is about to write in an unknown amount to an unknown recipient.


Gems from the early days of Apple like this prototype are always a fun find, and help flesh out Cupertino’s mysterious past. Apple’s insistence on keeping their research and design process an incredibly secretive matter means these periodic leaks are as close as the Mac loving public will likely get to the inner workings of the company.