Imagine holding a piece of tech that not only represents cutting-edge innovation but also embodies the spirit of one of the greatest visionaries of our time—Steve Jobs. A company named Caviar has launched an extraordinary line of custom iPhones that includes fragments from Jobs' iconic wardrobe, specifically the turtleneck he famously wore during Apple’s most pivotal moments. These bespoke devices serve as more than just smartphones; they are memorabilia steeped in nostalgia and a testament to Jobs' influence on technology and design.
The Iconic Uniform of Steve Jobs
When you think of Steve Jobs, the mental image of him clad in a black turtleneck, Levi's 501 jeans, and New Balance sneakers likely springs to mind. This uniform became his trademark look, particularly during the late 1990s when he returned to Apple and introduced revolutionary products like the iMac. His disdain for formal wear was evident, and he opted for attire that allowed him to focus more on innovation rather than appearance.
If you’ve seen the historic unveiling of the iPhone on January 9, 2007, you'll recall that Jobs donned his signature uniform yet again. This choice was inspired by his visit to Sony in the 1980s, where he observed factory workers in identical clothing. Although this concept of a uniform was rejected by Apple employees, Jobs gracefully adopted the turtleneck and sneakers as part of his persona, marking a transition from the young, impeccably dressed executive to a more casual, visionary leader.
Custom iPhone 17 Pro embedded with a fragment of Steve Jobs' turtleneck in the Apple logo. | Image by Caviar
The transformation in Jobs' appearance mirrored the evolution of Apple itself, transitioning from a struggling company to an industry leader.
Comparison of Caviar's custom iPhone 17 Pro rear panel with the original iPhone's back panel. | Image by Caviar
In 2020, Caviar Royal Gifts made headlines by integrating small pieces of Jobs' turtlenecks into custom versions of the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, with prices starting at a staggering $6,490. These unique devices included Jobs' signature and Apple's "Think Different" slogan, echoing the spirit of innovation that Jobs instilled in the company.
A Unique Opportunity for Fans
Now, Caviar continues this exceptional tradition by releasing the JOBS custom versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Each unit comes with a small square of a turtleneck allegedly worn by Jobs during the unveiling of the NeXT computer, complete with a certificate of authenticity. Interestingly, footage from that event reveals Jobs wore a tuxedo, adding ambiguity to the claim.
Each phone features an Apple logo embedded with the turtleneck fragment and reminisces about the classic colors of the original iPhone. The 256GB iPhone 17 Pro with the turtleneck piece is priced at $9,630, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max boasting 2TB of storage costs a jaw-dropping $11,560. Prominently featured is the inscription "50th Anniversary Edition" celebrating Apple’s founding on April 1, 1976, alongside Jobs' signature.
If you are an Apple enthusiast or a die-hard Steve Jobs fan with a sizable bank account, you might just have the perfect opportunity to own one of these limited-edition treasures.
