Wondering why iPhones with TikTok installed are selling for sky-high prices on eBay? From surprising listings to the app’s limited availability, this trend has caught everyone’s attention. It’s a story of demand, opportunity, and the unexpected ways people are reacting.
Let’s dive into the story behind these overpriced devices, the TikTok ban’s impact, and why desperate users are fueling this unexpected marketplace frenzy.
iPhone with TikTok installed gets priced for $999.999
iPhones with TikTok pre-installed have surfaced on eBay with astronomical prices, including one listed for $999,999.
Sellers are exploiting TikTok’s removal from U.S. app stores to list phones with the app pre-installed at high prices. The app still works for users who have it installed but cannot be re-downloaded if deleted, frustrating those seeking access.
The high-priced listings follow a temporary ban on TikTok in January 2025, during which the app was briefly inaccessible. Although the ban was delayed by an executive order, TikTok remains unavailable for download from Apple and Google app stores. Some sellers are exploiting this situation, hoping to attract desperate buyers or simply engaging in trolling, as most listings lack active bids.
Prices for iPhones with TikTok installed range widely, from $500 to over $1 million, depending on the device model and condition. For instance, one iPhone 15 Pro Max was listed for $10,000, and a 128GB iPhone 16 Pro was priced at $4.5 million. Despite these extreme figures, most listings receive little interest, with older models occasionally selling for modest amounts between $100 and $200 (via New York Post).
The app’s removal stems from compliance with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). Apple and Google must adhere to this law, prohibiting updates or downloads of apps linked to foreign adversaries. Existing users can still access TikTok, but future functionality may degrade without updates.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s fate remains uncertain. Ownership and compliance discussions could determine its return to app stores. Meanwhile, eBay listings for devices with TikTok pre-installed are more of a curiosity than legitimate transactions. Sellers appear to test buyers’ desperation and the limits of the marketplace.
