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TikTok Ban Sparks Frenzy: iPhones With The App Installed Sell For Thousands On eBay

Harrison BrooksMonday, Jan 27, 2025 12:23 pm ET

3min read

The temporary ban on TikTok in the U.S. has sparked a frenzy among users, leading to a surge in demand for phones with the app pre-installed. As a result, listings for such devices have cropped up on online marketplaces like eBay, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Some sellers have even listed their phones in the millions, although it remains unclear if there are any buyers at those prices.

The ban, which took effect on Sunday, January 29, 2023, was initially set to last until early April. However, President Trump paused the ban on Monday, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. for the time being. Despite the reprieve, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future has led many users to seek out devices with the app pre-installed, fearing that they may not be able to download it in the future.

One eBay listing, for example, offered a brand-new Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok pre-installed for $50,000, or "Best Offer." Other listings ranged from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with some sellers advertising phones with active TikTok accounts and others mentioning that the app was installed but not linked to an account.

The demand for these phones is driven by a combination of factors, including the temporary unavailability of TikTok in app stores, the uncertainty surrounding the app's future in the U.S., and the fear of missing out on the popular social media platform. As a result, some entrepreneurial spirits have capitalized on the situation, listing their phones on online marketplaces in the hopes of selling them for thousands of dollars.

However, it remains to be seen whether there are any buyers at these prices, as the listings may be more of a novelty or a way for sellers to gauge the market's interest. Additionally, the legality of selling such devices is uncertain, as the ban on TikTok raises questions about the distribution and service of the app.

In conclusion, the temporary ban on TikTok in the U.S. has sparked a frenzy among users, leading to a surge in demand for phones with the app pre-installed. As a result, listings for such devices have cropped up on online marketplaces like eBay, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. While the demand for these phones is driven by various factors, the legality and sustainability of this market remain uncertain.

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