The TikTok saga in the United States has sparked an unexpected trend: iPhones with the app still installed are now being sold on eBay for staggering amounts. The frenzy began after a brief U.S. ban on the app left some users unable to re-download TikTok, making devices with the app a rare commodity.
On platforms like eBay, listings for iPhones with TikTok are fetching jaw-dropping prices. One device, an iPhone 16 Pro Max with the app installed, was listed for $25,000, while another seller priced their iPhone at a whopping $4.9 million. “I couldn’t believe my phone was suddenly worth so much just because it has TikTok,” said one seller in North Carolina. Many of the listings boast hundreds of views, though it’s unclear how many have been sold.
Why the Hype Around Phones with TikTok?
TikTok’s brief absence from the Apple and Google app stores created panic among users. A law banning the app was enacted on January 18, 2025, only for it to be restored the following morning after former President Donald Trump claimed credit for negotiating its return. However, the app remains unavailable for download, leaving those who already had it installed in a unique position.
An eBay user in Florida listed an iPhone 15 Pro Max with TikTok for $10,000, citing its rarity. Another seller combined the app with CapCut, TikTok’s video-editing companion, asking for $4.5 million. “I didn’t think keeping TikTok on my phone would be this valuable,” commented another seller. While many listings remain without bids, older models are reportedly selling for $100 to $200.
The Uncertain Future of TikTok
The app’s return to app stores hinges on negotiations involving ByteDance, the U.S. government, and potential investors. Former President Trump suggested a joint venture that could involve American ownership of the app. “The U.S. will make this partnership very worthwhile,” Trump said, hinting at a resolution.
As talks continue, iPhones with TikTok installed remain a coveted item. For some, it’s a temporary goldmine; for others, it’s a glimpse of the digital economy’s unpredictability.