An iPhone once gifted by Steve Jobs widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, and kept unopened for more than 18 years sold Sunday night at LCG Auctions for $13,323.60.
The iPhone was released in 2007 in two models: 4GB and 8GB, priced at $499 and $599, respectively. The 4GB model was discontinued soon after, and collectors have since coalesced around the 4GB models as the rarer, more valuable one of the two. It’s estimated 95% of purchases were made up by the 8GB version.
In the past, unopened original iPhones have sold for as much as $190,373 for a 4GB (LCG in 2023). In the past few years, more and more unopened examples have hit the market, with prices generally reflecting both rarity of model type and condition.
It would appear the provenance related to Jobs gave this example just a small boost, if any. Instead, it might have been hampered by the condition, which the auction house describes as excellent overall despite a tear to the seals on the side and back.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.