More Early iPhone and iPad Prototype Designs Surface in Samsung Trial Documents

Last week, we noted that documents filed as part of the ongoing lawsuit between Apple and Samsung had revealed a few images of early iPhone prototype designs, including some that revealed similar design to what ultimately appeared years later as the iPhone 4/4S.

AllThingsD has now put together a gallery of dozens of images from the court documents showing even more of Apple's ideas for the iPhone and iPad.

Among the many filings on Saturday was a document with dozens of sketches and prototypes for both the iPhone and iPad. Some had already been included in earlier filings, but Saturday’s collection was particularly extensive.

The filing features a host of sketches, images from computer-aided design programs, and photographs of actual models that Apple fabricated as part of its design process.

iphone prototype views 1
iphone prototype views 2
Among the concepts that had previously surfaced was a series from Apple's Shin Nishibori, whose early Sony-inspired designs were immediately leapt upon by Samsung as evidence that Apple had copied the iPhone design from earlier innovators. But as noted by The Verge, additional prototypes dating even further back show that Apple had the iPhone aesthetic well in hand even before the Sony-inspired designs were created as a side project.

"Purple" dates back to August 2005 — months before the Jony prototype was originally designed. According to the documents, Shin Nishibori's Sony-style touches were simply "an 'enjoyable' side project," embellishments on a concept Apple had already designed. The documents contend that Purple remained free of the alleged Sony inspirations, ultimately giving birth to the iPhone in 2006 (and looking decidedly like the iPhone 4).

purple iphone prototype
AllThingsD is keeping a close eye on all of the trial developments, with Ina Fried tweeting from the courthouse today to provide updates on important developments in the high-profile case.

Related Roundup: iPad
Tag: Samsung
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Related Forums: iPad, iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

JS82712 Avatar
165 months ago
Apple: Samsung copied us
Samsung: you copied Sony

Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lifeinhd Avatar
165 months ago
And to think people compare the Zune to a brick.

Yes, but the difference is, Apple held back on releasing a brick. Microsoft didn't know to do that.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Z400Racer37 Avatar
165 months ago
glad they canned those designs
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lifeinhd Avatar
165 months ago
Suddenly, I'm liking these lawsuits a whole lot more :)

Keep 'em coming!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
165 months ago
And to think people compare the Zune to a brick.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
165 months ago
i feel like i'm seeing the same rumors every week.

1. tall iphone part leaks
2. ipad mini

:confused:

Except you are replying to a thread that is discussing old iPhone prototypes with regards to their lawsuits with Samsung's recent offerings. Not the same as current iPhone Prototype leaks we are seeing online in recent news.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)