iPhones Selling for HOW MUCH? TikTok Obsession Sparks CRAZY Trend

TikTok’s temporary removal from U.S. app stores has sparked an unexpected surge in online marketplace listings for phones with the app pre-installed, with some sellers asking astronomical prices.

At a Glance

  • Sellers on eBay and Facebook Marketplace are listing used iPhones with TikTok pre-installed at inflated prices
  • Listings range from $3,000 for older models to millions for newer iPhones
  • The surge follows TikTok’s temporary ban and removal from U.S. app stores
  • Current TikTok users can still access the app, raising questions about the ban’s effectiveness
  • President Trump has paused enforcement of the ban until early April

TikTok Ban Sparks Online Marketplace Frenzy

The recent decision to temporarily remove TikTok from U.S. app stores has created an unexpected ripple effect in the online marketplace. Opportunistic sellers on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are now listing used iPhones with TikTok pre-installed at prices that far exceed their typical retail value. This surge in listings demonstrates the perceived value of the popular social media app among its user base, even as it faces regulatory challenges.

Listings for these TikTok-equipped phones vary widely in price, with some sellers pushing the boundaries of reason. An iPhone 7, for instance, is being offered for $3,000, while a more recent iPhone 15 Pro has been listed for an astonishing $4.9 million. These exorbitant prices suggest a significant market demand, though it remains unclear whether any transactions are actually occurring at these levels.

The temporary ban on TikTok in the United States has led to its removal from both Apple and Google Play stores. This action has affected new downloads of the app, but current users can still access TikTok if it’s already installed on their devices. The situation has created a unique market opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the app’s unavailability to new users.

“TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. apps are no longer available in the United States, and visitors to the United States might have limited access to features. Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates,” Apple said in a statement.

The ban has received praise from some U.S. Senators, who commended tech companies for their compliance. However, the effectiveness of the ban has been called into question, given that existing users can still access the app. This loophole has further fueled the market for devices with TikTok already installed.

Sellers Capitalize on TikTok’s Popularity

Sellers are using keywords like “iPhone,” “TikTok installed,” and “unlocked” to attract potential buyers. Some listings even include the CapCut app, TikTok’s video editing tool, as an additional selling point. To prove the authenticity of their offerings, many sellers are providing screen recordings showing the app in action on the device.

While some listings have reached astronomical figures, others are more modestly priced, ranging from $340 to…$50,000. Interestingly, phones listed in the hundreds of dollars have seen higher bids, suggesting a more realistic market for these devices.

The fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain. President Donald Trump has directed a pause on the enforcement of the TikTok ban until early April, raising questions about the administration’s authority and the potential sale of TikTok by its China-based parent company, ByteDance.