November 17, 2023, 11:32 a.m. |
Reading time: 3 minutes
The original iPhone from 2007 has become a popular collector’s item. But one particular model is particularly popular.
First-generation iPhones regularly fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. In the last 12 months alone, the maximum price for the devices rose three times. But with the latest auction, a seller of a rare iPhone model brought in a new record sum, more than six times higher than the previous record.
First generation iPhones are veritable gold mines
The last time a buyer was able to purchase an unopened first-generation iPhone was in February 2023 for $63,356.40 (€56,409.37). As TECHBOOK reported, it was a “first edition example in excellent condition.” This means: There was no damage to the packaging and even the welding foil was intact. Previously, similarly well-preserved first-generation iPhone models had achieved the then record sums of $35,414 and $39,339 respectively at auctions in August 2022 and October 2022.
Steve Jobs himself introduced the first iPhone on January 9, 2007. “Time Magazine” called it “the invention of 2007.” The smartphone was initially available in storage sizes of 4 and 8 gigabytes, which cost $499 and $599 at launch. A 16 gigabyte version followed in 2008 for $499. In Germany, the smartphone was initially only available in conjunction with a T-Mobile contract for 399 euros.
Also interesting: Only real Apple experts can solve this iPhone quiz!
“Holy Grail”: This iPhone model sets a new record
However, at an auction in July 2023, an original iPhone fetched a record sum of 190,372.80 USD (169,430.84 euros). Loud LCG Auctions – the site on which the auction took place – the device is the “holy grail” for collectors. The main reason for this is the very short production period of the model in question. Unlike previous auctions, a first-generation iPhone with only 4 gigabytes of memory was for sale here. This model was only available on the market for less than two months until Apple discontinued it in September 2007 and reduced the price of the 8GB model. At the time, this caused an outcry among buyers of the smaller storage version, who had now paid more money for the inferior model. Back then, no one could have known what value this rarity would one day have.
According to the description in the auction offer, the record-breaking iPhone is in “excellent condition”. It is not only important that the welding foil is completely intact, but also that all stickers on the back are flawless. The colors and shine of the packaging also have to be right – copies that have faded in the sun are worth significantly less. Of course, the iPhone is new inside and not activated. According to LCG Auctions, the seller is a member of the “original engineering team at Apple when the iPhone launched.”
Editorial assessment
The 4GB model of the first iPhone is a real rarity, but are these decades-old smartphones really worth that much money? Nobody knows whether the devices are still functional – and nobody wants to find out by opening the package and the value immediately drops by tens to hundreds of thousands of euros. However, one thing is certain: the permanently installed battery has long since been discharged. And discharged lithium cells swell when left uncharged for an extended period of time. Anyone who opens the packaging will probably only find a case that has been pried open.