The TikTok app’s removal from the App Store has sparked an unusual trend on eBay. Older iPhones with TikTok pre-installed are now fetching premium prices, with some listings reaching as high as $14,000, and many selling between $500 – $2000 depending on the make/model and condition. This surge in value stems from the app’s unavailability for download on new devices in the US – meaning anybody who uninstalled the App or is trying to get it for the first time will be unable to.
The ban on TikTok has led Apple users who missed the chance to download the app before its removal to turn to the second-hand market, largely due to the closed nature of iOS. Sellers are taking advantage of this demand by offering iPhones that already have the popular social media app installed.
While most listings are priced between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, some sellers have set ambitious prices hoping that someone desperate enough will come by. This trend underscores the effect of app store restrictions on consumer behavior and raises concerns about the long-term viability of such purchases, as TikTok’s functionality on these devices may be limited or could eventually cease without updates.
The TikTok Ban’s Unexpected Aftermath: A Booming Market for Old iPhones
The Price of Pre-Ban TikTok
The US ban on TikTok has created a peculiar situation: old iPhones with the app pre-installed are now valuable commodities. Some of these devices are selling for upwards of $2,000, a significant price jump for older models. This surge in value is driven by users desperate to access TikTok without the restrictions imposed by the ban. These “pre-ban” iPhones offer a workaround, allowing users to bypass the App Store block and continue using the platform. The demand is high enough to create a thriving secondary market, with sellers capitalizing on the scarcity of TikTok-compatible devices.
Why Old iPhones?
The key factor driving this market is the ability to use TikTok. iPhones that had TikTok installed before the ban remain functional for the app, even without updates. While new downloads are prohibited, existing installations continue to work. This makes these older devices, particularly those with larger storage capacities, highly desirable. Users are essentially buying a working version of TikTok bundled with an older iPhone.
The Risks and Considerations
While buying a pre-ban iPhone might seem like a simple solution, there are potential drawbacks. First, the price is a major consideration. Spending thousands on an old phone just for TikTok access is a substantial investment. Second, these devices won’t receive TikTok updates, meaning users could miss out on new features and bug fixes. Third, the long-term viability of this workaround is uncertain. Future changes to TikTok or iOS could render these devices obsolete. Finally, there are security concerns to consider. Buying from unofficial sellers carries the risk of purchasing a stolen or compromised device.
Alternatives to Pre-Ban iPhones
For those unwilling to pay a premium for an old iPhone, other options exist, though they come with their own limitations.
- Using TikTok on a computer: While primarily a mobile app, TikTok can be accessed through a web browser on a computer. This offers a way to view content, but lacks the full functionality of the mobile app.
- Finding alternative platforms: Several other short-form video platforms exist, offering similar features to TikTok. These include Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Triller. While they might not be identical to TikTok, they offer comparable experiences.
- Waiting for potential solutions: The ban’s future is uncertain. Legal challenges and potential negotiations could lead to changes. Waiting to see how the situation evolves might be a viable strategy for some.
Comparison of Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Ban iPhone | Direct TikTok access | High cost, no updates, security risks |
| Web Browser Access | Free, accessible | Limited functionality |
| Alternative Platforms | Free, readily available | Not TikTok |
| Waiting | Potential future solutions | Uncertainty |
The Future of TikTok in the US
The long-term impact of the ban on TikTok’s US user base remains to be seen. While the pre-ban iPhone market highlights the desire for the platform, it’s unclear how long this workaround will remain viable. The rise of alternative platforms and the potential for future legal challenges could significantly impact TikTok’s future in the United States. The situation is fluid, and its evolution will be closely watched by users and competitors alike.
The Rise of Short-Form Video Alternatives
The TikTok ban has inadvertently shone a spotlight on the broader landscape of short-form video. While users scramble for ways to access TikTok, other platforms are gaining traction. Instagram Reels, integrated within the popular Instagram app, benefits from a massive existing user base. YouTube Shorts, leveraging the vast resources of YouTube, offers seamless integration with the world’s largest video platform. These alternatives provide a glimpse into a future where short-form video remains dominant, even without TikTok. Their growth underscores the enduring appeal of this content format and suggests that even if TikTok’s future in the US is uncertain, the appetite for short, engaging videos is here to stay.
Key Takeaways
- Older iPhones with TikTok pre-installed are selling for high prices on eBay
- The trend is driven by TikTok’s removal from the US App Store
- Buyers should consider potential limitations of using outdated app versions
Market Trends and Value Drivers
The surge in prices for iPhones with pre-installed TikTok reflects a unique intersection of technology, policy, and consumer behavior. This trend has created a niche market with significant value for certain devices.
Rarity and Demand for Pre-Installed TikTok iPhones
Used iPhones with TikTok pre-installed have become highly sought-after items on eBay. Some listings show prices reaching up to $10,000 for iPhone 13 Pro models. The scarcity of these devices has driven their market value to unprecedented levels.
Buyers are willing to pay premium prices for the convenience of having TikTok already on the device. This demand stems from the app’s unavailability in U.S. app stores. The rarity factor has turned these phones into collector’s items for some users.
eBay sellers have capitalized on this trend by highlighting “TikTok pre-installed” as a key selling point. Many listings use the “Buy It Now” option to set high fixed prices for these devices.
Impact of App Store Policies and Executive Orders
The removal of TikTok from U.S. app stores has directly influenced this market trend. This action followed an executive order by former President Donald Trump, citing national security concerns.
Apple and Google complied with the order by removing TikTok from their respective app stores. This policy change left many users unable to download the app on new devices.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in the TikTok ban case added further complexity to the situation. These legal and policy decisions have inadvertently created a secondary market for devices with the app already installed.
The Role of Social Media and Digital Marketing
TikTok’s popularity as a social media platform has been a key driver in this market trend. The app’s unique features and large user base have made it an essential tool for influencers and digital marketers.
Many businesses rely on TikTok for digital advertising and brand promotion. The potential loss of access to this platform has increased the value of devices that can still run the app.
Competing platforms like Facebook and Instagram have not fully replaced TikTok’s specific appeal. This gap in the social media landscape has further boosted the desirability of TikTok-enabled devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sale of iPhones with pre-installed TikTok on eBay has sparked interest and raised questions. Buyers and sellers are navigating this new market with varying prices and potential risks.
What is the current market price for iPhones with the TikTok application installed?
Prices for iPhones with TikTok pre-installed vary widely on eBay. Some listings ask for $10,000 or more, while others range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
An iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok is listed for $5,000. Another iPhone 16 Plus is priced at over $3,000.
These prices are significantly higher than standard iPhones without TikTok.
Has there been an increase in the sale of iPhones with pre-installed TikTok on eBay?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in eBay listings for iPhones with TikTok installed. This trend emerged after TikTok’s removal from the App Store.
Sellers are capitalizing on the app’s unavailability, marketing their devices as rare commodities.
What is driving the demand for iPhones with TikTok available on them?
The main driver is the inability to download TikTok from the App Store. Users who want access to the app are seeking alternative methods.
Some buyers may believe owning a device with TikTok pre-installed is their only option to use the app.
Are there any risks associated with purchasing an iPhone with TikTok from eBay?
Yes, there are several risks to consider. Buyers may pay inflated prices for devices that could lose value if TikTok becomes available again.
There’s no guarantee that TikTok will continue functioning on these devices long-term.
Purchasing used devices also carries general risks like potential hardware issues or account restrictions.
How do the prices of iPhones with TikTok compare to those without the application?
iPhones with TikTok are selling for significantly higher prices than those without the app. Standard iPhones typically sell for their retail price or less when used.
In contrast, TikTok-equipped iPhones are listed for hundreds or thousands of dollars above their normal value.
This price difference is solely due to the presence of the TikTok app.
Can buyers still receive updates for TikTok on iPhones obtained from eBay?
The ability to update TikTok on these devices is uncertain. Since the app is no longer available on the App Store, future updates may be restricted.
Users might be stuck with the version of TikTok that came pre-installed on the device.
This could lead to compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities over time.
