Rare iPhones have been going under the hammer for huge sums in recent months, and the latest sale of one of Apple’s original phones has just broken the record for the device.
Still sealed in its original packaging, the handset was expected to go for between $50,000 and $100,000, but the final bid came in at $158,644. That’s about $95,000 more than what was previously offered for the first-generation iPhone, which went on sale in February.
So, why so much interest in this iPhone?
According to Los Angeles-based LCG Auctions, which organized the sale, the lot is extremely rare because it is the 4GB model (that’s storage, not RAM!), the model that Apple abandoned two months after its launch in 2007 due to poor performance. sales, leaving customers with the most popular 8GB option.
“Our offerings are extremely rare, factory-sealed, first-edition 4GB units that are exclusive,” LCG Auctions said on his website. “The factory seal is flawless on the edges, clean and strong and durable. The text on the back is perfectly clear under the seal. Unique color and gloss. New, never started. “
The listing continued: “The condition of the phone is good because the sender was among the first technology groups at Apple when the iPhone was first launched. Collectors and investors would be hard pressed to find a good example. Its value and rarity constitute a winning formula for this category.”
Until now, the identity of the buyer has been kept confidential, and we may never know what they do with it. While it may be tempting to open the box to get your hands on a piece of history, doing so will destroy its selling price – if the buyer bought it as cash, that is.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the upcoming iPhone at MacWorld San Francisco in January 2007. The smartphone, with its small 3.5-inch screen and large 2-megapixel camera, went on sale in June of the same year for $499 (4GB ) and $599 (8GB).
The device revolutionized the smartphone market and turned Apple into one of the most successful technology companies. Sixteen years later, Apple is preparing for the latest launch of its popular phone, iPhone 15. And while it is very expensive, it will not be as expensive as what was sold at the market on Sunday.
Editor’s Note