Apple has asked a technology blog to return a prototype of the next iPhone that it claims was found in a bar.

iphone prototype blogger raided

iphone prototype blogger raided

Apple requests return of new iPhone

Apple is apparently furious that pictures of a device reported to be the next-generation iPhone have been circulating on the web.

Technology blog Gizmodo claims to have acquired the prototype unit after it was left in a bar by an Apple employee.

The device – which was reportedly disguised to look like an iPhone 3GS, the most recently released model – has an extra camera which could be used for video calling, Gizmodo claims.

Other features include a higher resolution screen, the iPhone 4.0 operating system and two separate buttons to control the volume rather than a single one.

Apple is notoriously secretive about its products before they are released – for example, it didn’t even reveal the name of the iPad until its launch day – and has demanded that Gizmodo gives the device back to them.

Gizmodo published what appeared to be a letter from Apple’s senior vice president and general counsel Bruce Sewell asking for the unit to be returned.

“This letter constitutes a formal request that you return the device to Apple. Please let me know where to pick up the unit,” the letter reads.

Gizmodo editorial director Brian Lam said that the letter proved the device was genuine and that he would surrender the device to Apple.