Though there are opinions galore about the ‘lost’ iPhone prototype saga – with some people believing that Apple was a ‘victim’ of the Gizmodo leak, and others saying that Apple apparently was the ‘puppet master’ of the entire episode -, it is quite likely that Apple, with its history of famous ‘leaks’, probably timed the incident to an advantage.

In a recent post, analyst Ed Oswald – noting that Apple is so secretive that covering news about its products is “much like walking blindfolded into a maze” - said that “... it is beyond comprehension to me that the company (Apple) would allow a lower-level employee to walk off One Infinite Loop with a prototype in hand on a personal jaunt.”

However, a contrasting opinion comes from a PC World commentor who notes: “... Apple intentionally leaked it's (sic) own device so that HTC, Samsung, Microsoft, RIM, Nokia, Motorola, Sony, & others could have a sneak peek? So that the competition's phones due for a September, October, & November could be sufficiently modified to outspec the iPhone HD?”

Though the point appears valid, the fact remains that no matter how hard they try, competitors will probably never be able to make an iPhone – and Apple evidently knows that!

Finally, all said and done, Apple, for the present moment, has a prototype device in limelight; and the entire ‘leak’ episode has left people wondering about what is forthcoming from Cupertino this summer!