So it is happening after all, as had been long-rumored: Selected iCDG employees will get a free iPhone 7 (not 7 Plus, sadly). One of my pals is working on setting up the ordering system where people can register their color choice. Should be ready in a couple of weeks and delivery will be before end of Feb.
The one funny part: It's all going to be hyper-confidential (you will have to digitally sign a separate NDA while ordering), because not everyone gets one. Most specifically, all of India will be left out of the deal, supposedly because management felt that the balance between the value of an iPhone and the average salary of an Indian employee is too far out of whack. Apparently, management in India is already whining to Aicha about it.
So anyway, enjoy your new phone if you are one of the lucky ones on "the list".