Prototype Handler Commits Suicide Over Missing iPhone

A 25-year old employee at Foxconn supposedly committed suicide last week. For those of you who don’t know, Foxconn is the manufacturer responsible for developing Apple iPhone concepts or next gen prototypes and this particular employee was the guy responsible for keeping 16 iPhone prototypes in a safe place, away from prying eyes.

Supposedly, when he realized that a 4th gen iPhone prototype he was responsible for had been taken, he decided to take his own life. Apple released a statement saying that they are “saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death. We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect.”

Rumors are starting to circulate that the employee was harassed and possibly physically abused by other Foxconn employees, however, these reports are unconfirmed.

Engadget seems to think that the recent iPhone prototype sold on eBay could be the missing unit in question, although it is not a 4th gen iPhone

[Christopher Aceto]

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