When people think about iPhones, what comes to mind are the famous models, the sleek iPhone 14 Pro or older classics like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 6. 

But beyond the popular versions, Apple and luxury brands have produced rare, unusual, and sometimes unbelievable iPhones that never made it to the mainstream.

From diamond-covered designs to prototypes that never went on sale, here are six iPhones you probably never knew existed.

iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition

In 2010, British designer Stuart Hughes created what is still one of the most expensive smartphones in the world: the iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition. Only two were ever made, and each was decorated with over 500 diamonds weighing more than 100 carats. 

It cost around $8 million, making it more of a jewelry masterpiece than a phone. This was designed for ultra-wealthy collectors rather than everyday use.

iPhone 7 Prototype With Smart Connector

Before the iPhone 7 officially launched, Apple tested secret versions with the Smart Connector, the same feature used on iPads for keyboards and other accessories. These prototypes never made it to stores, but some have shown up in private auctions. 

They reveal the kind of experimental ideas Apple sometimes explores behind closed doors.

iPhone X Tesla Edition

The iPhone X Tesla Edition was created by Russian luxury brand Caviar. What made it special was the built-in solar panel on its back, allowing the phone to recharge using sunlight. It combined flashy design with renewable energy. Only a few were ever made, and today it’s considered a rare collector’s piece.

iPhone 6s ‘Pink Diamond’ Edition

Before Apple officially released its Rose Gold iPhones, luxury customizers were already creating special versions for the super-rich. One standout was the iPhone 6s “Pink Diamond” Edition by Falcon. It featured a solid gold body and diamonds set into the design, with prices running into millions of dollars. It proved that exclusivity alone could turn a phone into a luxury symbol.

iPhone 5c Transparent Prototype

The iPhone 5c is remembered for its colorful plastic cases. But during development, Apple also made transparent prototypes. These versions let engineers see the phone’s internal components while testing. They were never sold to the public, but a few have leaked into the hands of collectors, making them some of the rarest iPhones ever seen.

 iPhone Air (Never-Released Concept)

Back in 2013–2014, there were strong rumors that Apple would release an “iPhone Air,” similar to the MacBook Air and iPad Air. Leaked designs and dummy models showed a super-thin iPhone that was even slimmer than the iPhone 6. In the end, Apple went with the names iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus instead. 

The iPhone Air never became a reality, but it remains a fascinating “what if” in Apple’s history.