Early Apple Watch Prototype Photos Emerge From 2013, Revealing a Test Build
Images of what appears to be an initial Apple Watch prototype, assembled in 2013, have surfaced online. The outlet involved is 9to5Mac, which first reported the discovery.
The photos were said to come from collector Giulio Zompetti. The device is described as running on a special test version of the SwitchBoard operating system, a variant developed for the iPod touch, and it is paired with iOS 8. A noticeable feature on the stainless steel back are three horizontal heart rate sensors, suggesting an early focus on health monitoring capabilities that would later become central to the Apple Watch family.
According to Zompetti, the prototype carries a unique wireless charger that does not align with other Apple Watch models. While it resembles the standard charger used with later generations, this early variant seems to represent a distinct charging approach debugged for this particular build.
This is not the first time Zompetti has brought rare Apple prototypes into the spotlight. Previously, he showcased early versions or concept models of items such as the iPhone X, the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPod, and another Apple Watch prototype. The ongoing interest in these demonstrations underscores the community’s curiosity about how Apple experiments with form, function, and sensor integration long before public releases.
Apple Watch itself debuted officially in September 2014 and began distribution in April of the following year. The watch is designed to pair with iPhones, relying on the broader iOS ecosystem for notifications, apps, and health features that extend beyond the wrist. Over time, multiple models have expanded health tracking, fitness features, and software capabilities, building a connected experience for Apple users.
Earlier online posts hint at the pace of development and the strategic steps Apple takes when exploring new wearable technologies. The emergence of these 2013-era photos contributes to the broader narrative of how Apple tests hardware, software, and charging concepts before finalizing a widely released product line. The discovery also raises questions about how much of the early hardware language—sensor placement, chassis materials, and charging interfaces—persisted into later designs and what changed during the transition from prototype to consumer-ready device. The documentation surrounding the prototype helps historians, enthusiasts, and industry watchers trace the evolutionary path of smartwatches and mobile health features within a major technology ecosystem. [Citation: 9to5Mac]