Apple’s third-generation iPod prototype revealed

… to include Stacker game: gameplay similar to Tetris

AppleDemoYT, who is keen on collecting various rare prototype devices, released a video yesterday, sharing the prototype of Apple’s third-generation iPod and demonstrating a “Stacker” game similar to Tetris.

AppleDemoYT said that this prototype is a “DVT” device, which means it is a mid-term prototype in the design verification test phase.

The prototype model is A1023, which is not a known model of any version of the iPod Classic, and its custom serial interface was designed by Apple engineers.

This third-generation iPod was produced in the 14th week of 2003 (more than a month before the release of the third-generation iPod).

READ ALSO:

• “Call of Duty 21: Black Ops 6” to be released on PS4, Xbox One
• Google Pixel Weather app now available on third-party Android devices
• Microsoft’s Start AI weather forecast model can now predict when clouds, precipitation will appear

AppleDemoYT purchased it from a domestic electronic product recycler. The device was not functional when purchased, but it could be started after replacing the hard drive cord.

The iPod was running a prototype version of iPodOS 2.0, and one of the games was “Stacker.” Stacker was played much like Tetris, where the pieces were moved from left to right using a scroll wheel. By pressing the centre button, the pieces would fall, and the object of the game was to clear more lines at once, thereby scoring more points.

There are other games on the iPod, but all of the titles are unreleased placeholders, including Block0, Chopper, and Klondike.

There’s also a battery test playlist on the device, which features classic songs played on repeat, suggesting that Apple used the iPod to test its battery life before the third-generation iPod was released.