One of the first generation of Apple's iconic iPhones, a pristine 4GB 2007 model, which is found to be intact with its original made form, still with original factory packaging has fetched a whopping $190,372.80, around Rs 1,56,17,423.02, more than three hundred times of its original price of $599, Rs 49,136.27, at the LCG Auctions.
The highly sought-after device attracted significant attention from collectors, resulting in a total of 28 bids. The bidding frenzy commenced with an initial offer of $10,000, and the intense competition for this exceedingly rare iPhone ultimately propelled the final price to unimaginable heights.
The auctioneer, LCG Auctions, showcased the extraordinary condition of the device, emphasizing its exceptional quality and its status as a "popular high-end collectible." Such impeccable preservation is exceptionally rare, making this iPhone a true gem for enthusiasts.
This latest sale comes on the heels of previous notable transactions involving first-generation iPhones. In February, LCG Auctions achieved an impressive $63,356 for another 2007 iPhone, followed by Wright Auctions' sale of a similar device for $40,320 in March. However, the recent auction's final selling price has far surpassed those figures, solidifying the desirability of these vintage smartphones.
Adding to its allure, the consignor of this extraordinary iPhone is revealed to be an original member of Apple's engineering team, a person who played a pivotal role in the creation of this ground-breaking device.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Apple's revolutionary iPhone, which was unveiled by the late Steve Jobs at Macworld in San Francisco on January 9, 2007. Jobs famously declared that Apple was about to "reinvent the phone," setting in motion a technological revolution that would reshape the world.
The iPhone's ground-breaking design, intuitive user interface, and seamless integration of software and hardware earned it the coveted title of Time magazine's "2007 Invention of the Year."