In the world of Apple, demo devices are a unique breed. They look like retail phones but run modified versions of iOS, designed to showcase features while restricting access to the full functionality you’d find on a personal device. One particular demo device—a silver iPhone 10—offers a fascinating glimpse into Apple’s testing and display technology. But what makes this demo iPhone 10 so intriguing? Let’s explore its quirks, secrets, and why it’s more than just a display unit.
Physically Identical to a Retail iPhone 10, but with Key Differences
At first glance, this demo iPhone 10 looks exactly like its retail counterpart. It has the same sleek silver-and-white design, the same edge-to-edge OLED display, and the same signature Face ID functionality. However, when you power it on and dive into its software, the differences become clear.
A Modified Version of iOS 12
This demo unit is running iOS 12.0, which was updated from iOS 11, likely after spending some time on display in Apple stores. It’s not the usual iOS experience you’d get on a retail iPhone 10, but rather a version tailored for store demonstration.
The Unusual Screen Saver
One of the most noticeable features is the screen saver. When you activate the demo device, you’ll encounter a visual screen saver that’s designed to play while the phone sits idle. The screen saver is triggered either manually or after a 30-second display timeout, making it perfect for store displays where phones need to be always-on and visually engaging.
What’s curious is that the screen saver, while entertaining, is exclusive to demo devices. Why this isn’t available on macOS or other devices remains a mystery. Nevertheless, it’s a neat touch for these specialized units.
The screen saver also has a clever feature: it automatically pauses if the device is picked up or if motion is detected. This ensures that no one accidentally interacts with the device during a demonstration, providing a seamless experience.
The Face ID App: A Special Addition
For those unfamiliar with the setup of Face ID, Apple’s iPhone 10 was the first device to introduce this feature. On this demo device, the Face ID app is pre-installed, allowing users to experience the technology in action. The app mimics the Face ID setup process, but it doesn’t actually store any facial data.
Instead, the app scans your face and then allows you to continue exploring the device—but without saving any biometric data. The intriguing part? The “set up later” option in the app doesn’t actually work on this device, which makes it clear that this demo unit is locked down in various ways to prevent full use.
Pre-installed Apps and Third-party Modifications
While the home screen looks normal, there are some apps that are uniquely tailored for the demo unit. You’ll find everything from games and productivity apps to photo editing tools, all pre-loaded for demonstration. In the Utilities folder, there’s an app called “Screen Saver,” specifically for triggering the screen saver, but it’s not something you would find on a retail iPhone.
Additionally, there are several third-party apps that have been altered for demo purposes. For instance, some of these apps come pre-loaded with fake user data (like contacts, photos, and music) that are designed to make the phone look more realistic in a store setting. One of the more bizarre aspects is that some of the contacts belong to a person named Mr. Craig Rogers, and his phone seems to be filled with strange, fake contacts—238 to be exact. Who these fake friends are, we can only guess.
Another fun discovery is a list of photos shot on various iPhone models, dating all the way back to the iPhone 6 Plus. These images come with metadata, so you can see not only what iPhone model they were taken on but also any edits made with photo-editing software.
Restricted Functionality and Features
The demo iPhone 10 isn’t just a glorified display unit; it’s a highly restricted piece of hardware. While it may look like a normal iPhone, there are plenty of features you won’t find on this device.
No Reset or Shutdown Options
First off, there’s no option to reset the device or shut it down. These features are locked out to prevent anyone from altering the demo content or making changes that would render the device unusable in a store setting. The shutdown button doesn’t appear to exist, and resetting the phone is impossible.
Limited Access to Settings and Features
Several settings are either missing or restricted. For example:
- Face ID and Passcode are disabled.
- Wallet, Screen Time, and Restrictions are blocked.
- You can’t rearrange the home screen or delete apps.
- Connecting to a computer is not possible, even when the device is in recovery mode or DFU mode.
These restrictions ensure that the device remains in a pristine demo state, unaltered by any accidental configurations.
Demo Mode Content Reverts After Reboot
One of the most fascinating features of the demo iPhone 10 is its ability to revert changes after a restart. You can delete photos, change settings, or even set a new wallpaper—but the moment you restart the device, it reverts back to its default settings. This keeps the demo unit consistent, preventing it from being tampered with or permanently altered.
The Hidden Menu: A Peek Behind the Curtain
While the demo iPhone 10 is designed to keep users from tampering with it, there’s a hidden menu that can be accessed from the screen saver. By tapping with three fingers on the top-right corner, a menu appears, offering options like unenrolling the device from demo mode or running a network check.
A Unique Collectible, But Limited in Practical Use
After learning all these details about this fascinating demo iPhone 10, you might wonder if there’s any use for it beyond display purposes. In most cases, the answer is no. This device is locked down to the point where it doesn’t offer much more than a static display piece.
However, if you’re an Apple fan or a tech enthusiast, this demo iPhone 10 could make for an interesting collectible. For those who really want the cool screen saver, there’s a workaround: you can use any Apple device to screen record the demo’s screen saver, essentially bringing a piece of this unique device to your personal collection.
Final Thoughts: A Rare Glimpse into Apple’s Demo Devices
Demo iPhones are a rare breed—designed for display, but hiding a wealth of secrets under the surface. This iPhone 10 is a great example of how Apple creates a specialized experience for customers in retail environments, while restricting functionality to prevent tampering or misuse. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of technology and marketing.
If you ever come across a demo iPhone, remember: it’s not just a display device. It’s a little world of quirks, restrictions, and unique features that you won’t find in a retail phone. And if you’re lucky enough to own one, well, you’ve got yourself a truly unique Apple collectible.
