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New images shared on Twitter this week claim to show an early prototype of the first-generation iPad. While we’ve seen prototype images of the original iPad before, these images show that Apple envisioned some sort of docking system for the device.
The images were shared on Twitter by user Giulio Zompetti, which collects rare Apple devices. He shared a trio of images showcasing a prototype iPad 1 and crafted a mysterious port on the left side of the device. This port appears to be just a second 30-pin connection.
Initially, Apple planned to offer a dual dock system on its first tablet. The secondary port was located on the left side of the device. Simultaneous charging was apparently supported.
According to Zompetti, the port was removed during a later stage of DVT development. For reference, Apple’s hardware development typically goes through stages, including EVT (engineering validation test), DVT (design validation test), and PVT (production validation test).
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Apple’s intentions to ship the iPad 1 with two dock connectors. One of these prototypes was actually auctioned off on eBay in 2012, and reports over the years have indicated that Steve Jobs abandoned the idea relatively near the release of the iPad.
Along with the first-generation iPad, Apple sold a keyboard dock separately for $ 69. This keyboard connected to the iPad via its 30-pin port at the bottom, and unfortunately it was a pretty ephemeral accessory.
Nowadays, Apple has adopted this idea more openly with the Smart Connector, which is used to power and connect to Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard. While Apple probably had larger plans for the Smart Connector initially, we’ve actually seen very few third-party accessories that take advantage of it over the years.
Do you think the iPad would look different today if Apple had moved forward with the iPad 1’s dual connectivity design? Let us know in the comments!
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