If you are someone who is holding back to your older version of iPhone, then here is a chance to make a fortune. With the latest iPhone 16 series gaining popularity, people are rushing to upgrade their older devices, and here is the list of older versions of the popular premium handset, which have entered the vintage series. There are collectors in the world who are ready to pay a hefty sum of money for a specific unit of iPhones.
1. Original iPhone (2007: First generation)
- Status: Ultra-rare collector’s item
- Estimated resale price: Somewhere between Rs 15,00,000 to Rs 50,00,000 (for the sealed and unused box)
The iPhone 2G, which was launched in 2007, started it all. A sealed, first-generation iPhone with 8GB storage was recently auctioned for over USD 1,90,000 (which is around Rs 1.5 crore). Even an open but well-preserved model can fetch Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh in India.
2. iPhone 3G (2008)
- Status: Vintage
- Estimated resale price: Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000
Although the variant is not as rare as the original iPhone (the very first launched), the iPhone 3G is considered vintage now. Its curved back and App Store introduction make it a nostalgic item. Collectors may pay a decent amount for models in good condition.
3. iPhone 4 (2010 – From Steve Jobs’ era)
- Status: Design Icon, collector’s favourite
- Estimated resale price: Rs 15,000 to Rs 70,000
iPhone 4 was introduced with a glass body and Retina Display. It’s considered to be a symbol of Apple’s design breakthrough under Steve Jobs. Limited edition variants and pristine models are especially sought after by collectors.
4. iPhone 5 (2012: The last Steve Jobs vision)
- Status: Historical Model
- Estimated resale price: Rs 10,000 to Rs 35,000
The iPhone 5 is the last device Steve Jobs had a hand in designing. Though not extremely rare, it does hold sentimental value, and collectors may pay more for the nostalgia and historical importance.
5. iPhone SE (1st Gen to 2016)
- Status: Cult Classic
- Estimated Resale Price: Rs 7,000 to Rs 25,000
Compact, powerful and reminiscent of the iPhone 5s, the first-gen SE is gaining a cult following. If sealed or in mint condition, its value could rise in the next few years, so if you have the unit, then hold on.
Bonus tip: Sealed unit is gold
If you own any of these iPhones in sealed condition (then make sure that you never open the box), their value skyrockets. Collectors and auction houses pay massive premiums for untouched items.