A first-generation Apple iPhone has been sold at auction for more than NZD$101,000, despite having been released in 2007, 16 years ago.
The item was owned by tattoo artist Karen Green and was sold by LCG auction house after receiving 27 bids from a starting price of NZD$4011.
The iPhone was first launched in 2007 and introduced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, at MacWorld San Francisco.
The iPhone was sold with a description that read: "Highly desirable factory sealed first-generation original Apple iPhone from 2007."
"One of the most important and ubiquitous inventions of our lifetime, the iPhone was first introduced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, at MacWorld San Francisco.
"Just over five months later it was released at retail for US$499/$599 (NZ$800/$961) on June 29th."
The iPhones specifications listed the device as containing 8GB of storage, a two-megapixel camera, and a physical home button. In contrast, the iPhone 14, has 1TB of storage, a 48-megapixel camera, and no physical home button, retailing at a starting price of NZD$1980, depending on screen size and memory capacity.
Green took the vintage smartphone onto Doctor and the Diva's 'Treasure Hunt Tuesday' TV show in 2019, where it was estimated to be worth NZ$8023.
The auction house claims that the "cultural interest" in old tech items is on the increase and believes that sales could grow even further.
"There's little doubt that interest in culturally relevant collectables is rapidly increasing, and despite the impressive sales numbers, many believe the space is still in its infancy," said the auction house in a statement.
The sale of this unopened, first-generation Apple iPhone has proved that even outdated tech items can still hold significant value to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER.
Stay in the loop on some of the most important things happening at Today FM - whether it be the biggest news stories, host opinions or the latest on what you need to know about happening on air and on our website. Sign up here.
