"...sent at the system's maximum bit rate of 267[Mbps].... it was sent to JPL over the internet, and that connection was slower than the signal coming from deep space."

That's whole situation was a load. Apple planted that "prototype" to increase hype around their new device. No significant changes were planned or could have been made between then and now. Corporations don't just say "oops we seem to have lost our prototype, oh well let's release it anyway."

I see this Slashdot article cites a Slashdot article. Holy recursive Batman!

Truly a man of many talents; who knew he was so scientifically minded?