The temporary ban on TikTok in the United States has created a surprising trend: iPhones with TikTok pre-installed are now being listed for astronomical prices on eBay. With the app still missing from US app stores, demand for these devices has skyrocketed, creating a niche market for opportunistic sellers.
TikTok Ban Spurs Unprecedented Demand
TikTok’s absence from the Apple Store stems from ongoing uncertainty surrounding a ban initiated by Donald Trump’s executive order. While some users retained the app during the ban, many others who deleted or never downloaded TikTok are now unable to access it. This gap has sparked a surge in demand for iPhones with the app still installed, with some devices listed for as much as £20,297.88 ($25,000) on eBay.
High-Priced Listings Flood eBay
In Ruskin, Florida, a seller has listed an iPhone 15 Pro Max with TikTok for £8,119.15 ($10,000). The listing garnered over 1,800 views within 24 hours, underscoring the interest in these rare devices. Other listings range from $500 to $25,000, with one seller in Whittier, North Carolina, pricing an iPhone 16 Pro Max at $25,000.
Despite the hype, most of the 2,000+ iPhones with TikTok on eBay are not attracting bids. The few that have sold are typically older models, fetching between £81.19 ($100) and £162.38 ($200). One extraordinary listing from Raleigh, North Carolina, features a 128GB iPhone 15 Pro priced at over £3.65 million ($4.5 million). It boasts both TikTok and ByteDance’s CapCut video editing app.
The Future of TikTok in the US
The timeline for TikTok’s return to app stores remains unclear. Speculation about US ownership—involving potential buyers like Elon Musk or Larry Ellison—has fueled hope for a resolution. General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford expressed optimism during an Axios event in Davos, suggesting a deal might be finalized soon.
Negotiations continue with multiple stakeholders, including the Chinese and US governments. Until then, iPhones with TikTok installed remain a rare and highly valued commodity.
Leverage this trend if you’re looking to profit from the TikTok ban, but proceed with caution as market demand may not match initial expectations.
