An unopened first-generation iPhone has been sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million at an auction by the Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. The auction had over 30 bids and lasted for almost two weeks, with the final bid exceeding the expected price by more than six times.
The first-generation iPhone was released in 2007, revolutionizing the smartphone industry with its touch screen interface and mobile web browsing capabilities. The device was a game-changer for Apple, which went on to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, and the iPhone remains one of the most popular smartphones globally.
This particular iPhone, which was still in its original packaging, was a 4GB model and was never activated. The device was sold with its original accessories, including a charger and earbuds. The new owner of the iPhone has not been named, but Heritage Auctions confirmed that the buyer was an anonymous individual from Asia.
The previous record for an unopened first-generation iPhone was set in 2019 when a similar model was sold for $23,750. The price for this latest auction is significantly higher, which is likely due to the device’s pristine condition and the fact that it has never been opened or activated.
This sale highlights the growing demand for vintage electronics, with collectors and enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for rare and unique items. While the $1.5 million price tag may seem exorbitant, it is not uncommon for collectors to pay high prices for vintage electronics, including other Apple products such as the original Apple I computer, which sold for $1.6 million in 2014. With the continued growth of the vintage electronics market, it will be interesting to see what other rare and unique items will be sold in the future, and for what prices.
