Original Apple iPhone Sells for Over Rs 1 Crore

Apple’s iPhones are known for their retentive values, especially in the resale market. Not only do even old models bring owners a lot of bang for their buck compared to most Android counterparts, they’re also said to last longer and typically have long software support that lasts at least a decade. But what if we told you that the original iPhone recently sold for an outrageous $133,435 (about INR 1.1 billion) – which is about 266 times its original price of $499.

Yes, this sale happened during LCG Auctions’ fall auction, where said iPhone, described as “Original 2007 Apple iPhone Factory Sealed with Apple Store Receipt (1st Release, 4GB),” was listed as part of the “Platinum” lot and had a starting price of $20,000 . A total of 17 bids were made for the device, but of course the winning bid was $133,435.

Notably, this is not the highest the 4GB variant of the original iPhone (model A1203) has sold. LCG Auditions notes that the 4GB model “appears to be a ‘blue chip’ collectible. And not only is it ‘extremely rare,’ but earlier this summer one unit fetched a record $190,373.”

“Our bid is identical to the tape break model sold in July,” the auction house notes.

It added: “It is a first release 4GB model in excellent factory sealed condition. Consigned by the original owner who purchased it at retail over 16 years ago. Unlike previous models sold at auction, this one includes the original Apple Store receipt and case. Receipt the information is fully legible. As for the phone itself, it is virtually flawless along the surface and edges, the factory seal is clean with correct seam detail and tightness. The reverse decals are perfectly intact under the seal. Excellent color and luster. Mint, never activated. Immaculate example, the finest we have handled!”

For the uninitiated, this original iPhone model was introduced by none other than Apple founder Steve Jobs himself. He revealed the same on January 9, 2007. And as for the rarity of the 4GB model, it was discontinued shortly after launch as most customers preferred to pay the extra $100 and buy the larger capacity 8GB model instead.