Unopened first generation iPhone from 2007 sold for 380 times its original price in wild auction
Published on May 15, 2026 at 8:58 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 22, 2026 at 4:39 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A factory-sealed example of Apple’s original first generation iPhone from all the way back in 2007 has just sold for a jaw-dropping price, proving that early tech history is now serious collector bait.
Even on launch day, people lost their minds trying to get their hands on what they saw as the future of tech.
The original device, which dates back to the very first iPhone launch in 2007, was still completely unopened in its original packaging, making it one of the rarest Apple collectible items you can possibly find.
The final sale price was so high that it would make even the most modern phones look cheap.
What’s special about the first generation iPhone
The auctioned gadget in question was a first-generation iPhone, released back in June 2007, when Apple first introduced the device that would change smartphones forever.
It was the ultra-rare 4GB model, which Apple secretly discontinued just two months after launch because most buyers opted for the slightly more expensive 8GB version.
That short run instantly made it one of the hardest variants of the original iPhone to find today.
According to auction house LCG Auctions, sealed phones like this are considered the ‘holy grail’ of early Apple memorabilia due to their extreme scarcity and untouched condition.
The phone was factory sealed, never activated, and still in its original packaging exactly as it would have appeared in an Apple Store in 2007.
LCG Auctions has previously described these devices as ‘exceedingly rare’ collectibles that often attract competitive bidding wars once they hit the auction.
The price at auction
When it went up for auction, interest quickly escalated as collectors and investors fought over a piece of Apple history.
The auction saw multiple bidders pushing the price far beyond expectations, with sealed first-generation iPhones regularly drawing strong demand in recent years.
Eventually, it sold for a staggering $190,372 compared to its original $499 retail price in 2007.
That means the phone sold for roughly 380 times what it cost when it first launched, turning a once-normal consumer gadget into a six-figure collectible.
To put it into perspective, you could have bought a brand-new car in 2007 for less than this phone is worth today.
Don’t be surprised if future sealed gadgets like this break this record again.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
