Karen Green received a first-generation iPhone in 2007 but kept it sealed in its box for over a decade as a potential collector's item, highlighting the enduring allure of vintage technology.
"To discover an original, first-release model from 2007, still brand-new with its factory seal intact, is truly remarkable," Mark Montero of LCG Auctions told BBC News.
The story of Karen Green's unopened first-generation iPhone is a testament to the enduring allure of vintage technology.
In 2007, when Apple released its revolutionary smartphone, hundreds of thousands of Americans clamored to get their hands on one. But Green, who had just upgraded her non-smartphone, reportedly didn't want to switch to AT&T from Verizon and therefore didn't buy an iPhone.
Instead, Green's friends pitched in to buy her a brand-new iPhone as a gift, which she kept unopened and in its original box, realizing its potential value as a collector's item.
Per Ars Technica:
“The first iPhone's specs are laughable by today's standards and include 8GB of Samsung flash memory storage, a 2MP camera (decent for a camera phone at the time), and a 3.5-inch LCD screen.”
In 2019, appraisers on the daytime television program The Doctor & The Diva estimated the phone's value at $5,000.
But at an online auction this year, the phone sold for an astounding $63,356.40, more than any vintage iPhone before it, per Business Insider.
The appeal of vintage technology is not new, but it has gained renewed attention in recent years as collectors and investors seek out rare items from the past. High-end collectors look for relevant, rare, and replaceable items, and an unopened first-generation iPhone checks all these boxes.
The historical significance of the original iPhone, introduced by Steve Jobs in January 2007 and revolutionized the smartphone industry, adds to its appeal as a collector's item.
Closing Thoughts
Green's unopened iPhone is a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable items are the ones that are preserved in their original state. As technology evolves rapidly, vintage items like the first-generation iPhone offer a glimpse into the past and a reminder of how far we've come.
In a world where technology becomes obsolete quickly, the story of Karen Green's unopened iPhone is a reminder that sometimes, the best things are worth holding onto.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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