A 1st-Gen iPhone Might Sell For $50,000

Karen Green received the first-generation iPhone as a gift several years ago. She never opened it, and now it could fetch a $50,000 price tag!

That is how much the phone could sell for, according to LCG Auctions. It is accepting bids for the device at a starting price of $5,000.

In contrast, the 1st-gen iPhone was worth $599 in 2007. As a result, Green could make roughly $49,400 or more from a lucky buyer!

How did the 1st-gen iPhone skyrocket in value?

A first generation, unopened 2007 iPhone goes up for auction and is expected to sell for more than $50,000. pic.twitter.com/Uejbla4X1Q

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 2, 2023

The first iPhone came out almost 20 years ago, but it was a revolutionary device back then.

Before its release, most mobile phones had physical keypads. We had touchscreen phones, but they were clunky and bulky.

Most folks thought those were enough for daily use. However, former Apple boss Steve Jobs saw these devices becoming obsolete as the internet became more prominent.

In 2007, Jobs offered the world a solution, an “internet communicator” called the iPhone. It captivated everyone with its sleek curves and slim design.

Eventually, more people preferred touchscreen phones, prompting other tech companies to release similar products. 

The first-gen iPhone marks a pivotal moment in how people use mobile devices. As a result, it is an antique that people are willing to obtain for thousands of dollars.

Cosmetic tattoo artist Karen Green wasn’t the only one who tried to profit from the old device. 

Many people have submitted their 1st-gen iPhones to auction houses, but only Green’s earned such a high appraisal value.

What makes hers stand out among the rest? LCG Auctions founder Mark Montero said, [the 1st-gen iPhone of] Karen had a really unique piece with a great story behind it.”

As mentioned earlier, his company said it could be worth $50,000, but the actual price could easily exceed that. 

What will she do with that amount of money? Green says she will use the money to fund her business.

Conclusion

An unopened 1st-gen iPhone is up for auction today. The starting price is $5,000, but LCG Auctions says it could fetch $50,000 or more.

It was a ground-breaking device in 2007, but the latest Apple phones significantly outclassed it with significantly superior features.

For example, the latest model, iPhone 14, enables emergency satellite messaging. See how far technology is advancing by following Inquirer Tech.