Apple Prototype Devices: The Different Stages of Prototypes
In this article, I will be explaining in depth of the different Apple prototype stages and what they are. This is my first article and I hope it is informative.
Introduction
When we think of Apple, we think of modern, advanced, and innovative products. Have you ever thought about how Apple creates such revolutionary products, taking into account all of the research and development that happens prior to the launch? Their prototyping process is the answer. This blog post looks into the idea of Apple prototype devices and all the different stages in the prototyping process.
What are Apple Prototype Devices?
Simply put, Apple’s prototype devices are initial versions of a product that the company intends to launch. Before mass production, these prototypes are used for assess the functionality, design, and features of the product. Designers and engineers are permitted to evaluate and improve existing features and technologies, as well as recognize and resolve any difficulties or complications that emerge. Apple creates prototype devices for all their products, which includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices such as iPods. Apple’s prototype devices come in various sizes, from a small handheld phone to a larger computer, and can be made up of a variety of materials, like plastic, metal, and glass.
The Different Stages of Prototypes
The prototyping process at Apple involves several stages, each with its own purpose. These stages include:
Proof of Concept (POC/Proto)
The first stage of prototyping is the proof of concept stage. In this stage, Apple creates a basic model or prototype to test the functionality of a new product idea. This is where designers and engineers work together to determine the feasibility of a new product or feature. This model is often made of simple materials and may not resemble the final product at all. The goal of this stage is to determine if the product idea is worth pursuing further.
Engineering Validation (EVT)
After the proof of concept phase, the subsequent step in prototyping is called engineering validation, which is also referred to as EVT (with “T” representing tests or testing). During this phase, Apple develops a prototype that closely resembles the end product. This is the place where prototypes are developed with advanced manufacturing methods and constructed from high quality materials. The purpose of this prototype is to assess the durability, performance and quality of the product. This stage involves rigorous testing and may require multiple prototypes to ensure that the product meets Apple’s high standards.
Design Validation (DVT)
The next stage after EVT is design validation which can also be referred to as DVT. In this stage, Apple creates a more detailed prototype that closely resembles the final product. This is where more detailed models are created to test the functionality and usability of the product. This prototype is used to test the design, features, and overall user experience of the product. This stage may involve multiple prototypes as Apple fine-tunes the design and functionality of the product.
Product Validation (PVT)
Once the design prototype has been refined and tested, the production prototype stage begins. At this point, the development of the actual hardware of the device is finished but this is the stage that you take your “Almost finished device” and you try to see if any errors happen in a mass production setting. This is not so much focused on the hardware development side, but more of the manufacturing procedures to make the device in an efficient way and make all work and this is usually where manufacturing issues arise. This is the stage that prototypes are tested for reliability and durability.
Pilot Production (Volume Production)
The final stage in the creation of different apple prototype devices is the pilot production stage. This is where a small number of prototypes are created using the same manufacturing processes that will be used for the final product. These prototypes are tested in real-world conditions to ensure that they perform as expected.
Development Operating Systems
When it comes to Apple’s prototype devices and operating systems, there are two key iOS prototype operating systems that are worth exploring: Non-UI (also known as “Switchboard”) and Developmental iOS (also known as “Internal UI”)
Non-UI (Switchboard)
Switchboard, which is also referred to as “Non-UI” is a version of iOS that is designed specifically for testing purposes. It’s essentially a stripped-down version of the operating system that does not include any of the user interface elements that are present in retail iOS devices. Instead, it is designed to allow developers to test the underlying functionality of the OS, such as its performance, security, and compatibility with different hardware configurations.
Developmental iOS (Internal UI)
Apple’s internal development teams use a version of iOS known as Developmental iOS or also referred to as Internal UI. This internal version includes all the user interface components that are available in the public iOS releases, as well as additional tools and functions that are unique to it, not available on stock iOS.
One of the benefits of Internal UI is that it allows Apple’s development teams to test new features and functionality before they are released to the public. This helps to ensure that the operating system is stable and runs smoothly with no issues.
Conclusion
Apple prototype devices are an important part of the company’s product development process of new products and technologies. By creating and testing different prototypes, Apple can ensure that their products are functional, user-friendly, and of the highest quality. The different stages of prototyping allow Apple to refine and improve their products before they are released to the public.
Overall, Apple’s prototyping process is a critical part of the company’s product development process. It enables Apple to create and refine products that are not only innovative but also of the highest quality. By conducting rigorous testing and gathering feedback from users and employees, Apple can ensure that its products meet the needs of its customers and stand out in today’s competitive market.
