I found my original iPhone SE. I charged it up, and it works perfectly - the screen, the touch ID, and to my surprise, even the battery holds a charge.
Yet, Apple made it obsolete a long time ago. It is stuck on an unsupported version of iOS, and because of the locked bootloader, it's impossible to install a different, supported operating system.
I'm impressed by the hardware quality, but frustrated by the software obsolescence.
Is there any practical use for this device today? I prefer to upcycle things if possible. The display is still incredibly crisp, and it feels like a waste to just throw it in an electronics recycling bin when it has so much more value than scrap metal.
I was thinking about using it as a smart dashboard or an always-on display. However, I'm not sure how best to do this since it's locked to iOS. Also, Gemini warned me that keeping an old lithium-ion battery plugged in 24/7 poses a real swelling and fire hazard.
What do you do with your obsolete, perfectly functional Apple hardware?