I’ll admit it, I sincerely doubted the authenticity of the leaked images of the “new iPhone” that surfaced earlier this week. I was even a bit skeptical when Gizmodo posted their breakdown of the mysterious device (which was found on a barstool near Apple’s Cupertino headquarters.) Despite this, however, no doubt remains in my mind that the device Gizmodo purchased for $5,000 from a bar-patron, is in fact a new iPhone prototype. What changed my mind, you ask? A letter written to Gizmodo by Bruce Sewell, Apple’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

“It has come to our attention that GIZMODO is current in possession of a device that belongs to Apple. This letter constitutes a formal request that you return the device to Apple. Please let us know where to pick up the unit.”

Here’s Gizmodo’s response:

Bruce, thanks.

Here’s Jason Chen, who has the iPhone. And here’s his address. You two should coordinate a time.
[Blah Blah Blah Address]

Happy to have you pick this thing up. Was burning a hole in our pockets. Just so you know, we didn’t know this was stolen [as they might have claimed. meaning, real and truly from Apple. It was found, and to be of unproven origin] when we bought it. Now that we definitely know it’s not some knockoff, and it really is Apple’s, I’m happy to see it returned to its rightful owner.
P.S. I hope you take it easy on the kid who lost it. I don’t think he loves anything more than Apple.

So there you have it, confirmation that Gizmodo did in fact get its hands on Apple’s new iPhone, someone’s gonna pay for this one.

See the full Gizmodo story here, and photos and a video of the new iPhone here