Old iPhone sells for a record price - yours might be worth more than you think

18 July 2023 , 06:05

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Old iPhone sells for a record price - yours might be worth more than you think

Apple gadgets are renowned for holding their value and selling for decent prices years after they were first launched. However, one device has just broken all records with an original iPhone being sold at auction for a staggering $190,000 (£145,000). That's nearly 400 times what it would have cost when it was originally sold all the way back in 2007.

The device, which has never been opened and is still sealed in its original packaging, attracted a total of 28 bids and finally sold for that incredible price.

LGG Auctions, who held the sale, describe the device as "exceedingly rare, factory sealed, first-release 4GB model in exceptional condition. Virtually flawless along the surface and edges, the factory seal is clean with correct seam details and tightness".

(AFP/Getty Images)

The buyer is now the proud owner of an iPhone that came with just 4GB of memory (all new iPhones now ship with at least 128GB) along with a 3.5-inch screen and a single 2-megapixel rear camera.

One of the reasons why this device is so rare is that Apple discontinued it soon after launch with the firm quickly replacing it with a bigger 8GB model due to poor sales.

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As we all now know, the iPhone has quickly become Apple's most popular product with over 2 billion sold worldwide.

Although the chances of having an original device still in its cellophane are pretty slim, it's still worth checking your bedside drawers for older devices.

Most can fetch decent sums on trade-in sites with devices such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 worth up to £100.

Anyone with something more modern, such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, could find they are sitting on devices worth up to £380 so it's definitely worth checking.

Here are some trade in prices for Apple's popular smartphones.

• iPhone 7 - £35

• iPhone 8 Plus - £100

• iPhone X - £140

• iPhone XR - £165

• iPhone 11 - £227

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• iPhone 11 Pro Max - £240

• iPhone 12 - £306

• IPhone 12 Pro Max - £380

Dave Snelling