The first-generation iPhone from 2007 has successfully sold for over $39,300 (RM185,220). The phone only cost $599 (RM2,823) when it was first released back in 2007.
The iPhone is still untouched in its original box for 15 years after its release. The factory-sealed first-generation 8GB smartphone sold for 50 times its original value.
The phone went for auction at LCG Auctions with a starting bid of $2,500 (RM11,783). The price quickly rose until the bidding closed on Sunday. The winning bid was a whopping $39,339 (RM185,404).
LCG Auctions founder Mark Montero said in a statement, “We expected the bidding for this item to be fervent and it did not disappoint as a handful of avid and sophisticated collectors drove the price from just over $10,000 on Sunday afternoon to this record-setting amount by Sunday night.”
“We congratulate the winners, our consignors and all of the bidders for making this one of the most active auctions in our history.”
When the late Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone, it revolutionized the phone industry. Among the features of the first iPhone were a web browser, a 2-megapixel camera, and a 3.5-inch display.
This is far different than the new iPhone 14, which has 128GB of storage and a 12-megapixel camera. The iPhone has come a long way from its initial first generation.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs dubbed it “an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator” upon its initial introduction 15 years ago. It quickly sold millions of units after its release.
Sources: CNBC, LCG Auctions