An individual with significant financial resources recently acquired a piece of technological heritage by shelling out $190,000 for a 2007 first-generation iPhone. This figure represents approximately 300 times the original cost of the device.
However, it’s important to note that selling a 16-year-old smartphone you’ve had tucked away isn’t likely to yield a comparable profit. This iPhone was a factory sealed device described as being in “exceptional condition” by the auction listing. LCG Auctions, the auctioneer, highlighted that the consignor of the item was a member of Apple’s engineering team at the time of the iPhone’s launch. According to the auction house, “It would be challenging for collectors and investors to find a better specimen.”
The auction attracted attention from several parties, receiving 28 bids in total, including five that surpassed $100,000. Over the recent months, LCG Auctions has sold two 8GB first-generation iPhones for $39,000 and $63,000 respectively. However, what sets this device apart is its rarity as a 4GB model – a version produced by Apple only for two months due to the higher consumer preference for a model with double the storage.
It is doubtful that the new owner will unbox and use the smartphone, as breaking the seal could significantly depreciate its value. If they were to use it, they would find that the device may not even have the capability to make a phone call, considering the shutdown of 2G networks in various parts of the world. Features such as FaceTime wouldn’t be accessible due to the lack of a front-facing camera and the phone’s inability to run a version of iOS that supports the feature. Most other apps wouldn’t function on it as well.
Despite these limitations, the original iPhone could still serve as a functional iPod. A nostalgic throwback to a previous era, it even features a headphone jack. Do you remember those?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about First-generation iPhone auction
What was the final auction price for the first-generation iPhone?
The final auction price for the unopened first-generation iPhone was $190,000.
What made this first-generation iPhone unique?
This iPhone was unique as it was a rare 4GB model, produced only for two months by Apple, and was in an unopened, “exceptional condition.”
Who was the consignor of this iPhone?
The consignor of the iPhone was a part of Apple’s engineering team when the iPhone was first launched.
How many bids were placed for the iPhone at the auction?
A total of 28 bids were lodged for the iPhone, with five of these bids exceeding $100,000.
Why is it unlikely that the new owner will use the iPhone?
It is unlikely that the new owner will use the iPhone because breaking the factory seal could significantly reduce its value. Moreover, the technology is outdated, with features such as FaceTime not supported, and most 2G networks being non-operational.
Can the original iPhone still be used as an iPod?
Yes, despite its limitations, the original iPhone could still potentially be used as an iPod.
More about First-generation iPhone auction
- First Generation iPhone Specs
- Auction Houses: LCG Auctions
- 2G Network Shutdown
- Apple’s Engineering Team
5 comments
Can’t belive someone would pay that much for a phone that cant even make calls or FaceTime! but i guess as a collectors item it makes sense.
Impressive, a rare 4GB model from ’07, and in exceptional condition. Now, that’s a real piece of tech history. Worth every penny, I’d say.
Can still use it as an iPod, huh? Now that brings back memories…headphone jacks and all, those were the days! 🙂
Wow! 190K for a 1st gen iPhone?? Some folks have money to burn! Still, gotta admit it’s kinda cool. Nostalgia ain’t cheap, eh?
To think, my old iphone’s sitting in a drawer somewhere. Should’ve kept the box sealed. Might’ve been a millionaire!