The prevalence of all-screen designs in contemporary smartphones, with expansive touch displays dominating the front, can be traced back to the inaugural iPhone, unveiled by the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007.
While not the pioneer of touch interfaces, Apple undeniably set the standard by delivering the first touchscreen smartphone embraced by the masses.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and Apple presents a quintet of iPhone models in retail, including the $599 iPhone 17e, whose price mirrors that of the original iPhone’s 8 GB variant.
Remarkably, the original iPhones remain in circulation, as prior owners frequently auction used iPhone 2G models on platforms such as eBay. The condition of these devices dictates their market value; pristine models demand premium prices.
The most sought-after versions include those with 4 GB of storage, ideally preserved in their untouched packaging, commanding staggering sums.
An example includes a sealed 4 GB original iPhone that fetched an astounding $190,372.80 this past summer, beginning bidding at $10,000. Similarly, in spring 2024, another unit was auctioned for $130,027.20, while yet another realized $147,286.
Conversely, Apple enthusiasts seeking a used iPhone 2G can expect to find more accessible options. A brief survey on eBay indicates that first-generation iPhones are available for under $100, albeit these lack the collector’s appeal of sealed 4 GB models. Prices can surge into the hundreds for units complete with original packaging and accessories.
What Makes the 4 GB Original iPhone So Exceptional?
In stark contrast to the iPhone 17 models, which offer a minimum of 256 GB of storage, the original’s most economical version pales in comparison.
Upon its debut, the 4 GB model was priced at $499, while the 8 GB version reached $599, available exclusively through Cingular—later rebranded as AT&T—on its launch date of June 29.
Neither of these prices included carrier subsidies, necessitating a two-year contractual commitment from users, with monthly tariffs starting at $59.99. Additionally, a $36 activation fee was obligatory.
In a rather surprising move in early September 2007, Apple slashed the price of the 8 GB model to $399 for the holiday season, translating to a $200 discount for new purchases.
The 4 GB model was slated for removal as supplies dwindled, elucidating its rarity today, particularly for factory-sealed instances.
Notably, by February 2008, a 16 GB variant was introduced, priced at $499. Regardless of storage capacity, the original retail box came replete with a power adapter, dock, wired earphones, and a charging cable.
The Current Functionality of the Original iPhone
As of late March 2026, all iPhone models maintain compatibility with both 5G and 4G LTE networks, encompassing the iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus.
Unlike the original iPhone, which was exclusively linked to AT&T, these newer devices can operate on any U.S. carrier.
It is crucial to note that the unofficially termed iPhone 2G necessitates a 2G network for cellular functionality, a service discontinued by AT&T in 2017, thereby rendering the original iPhone unable to connect to current cellular networks. While it retains Wi-Fi connectivity, its telephonic capabilities have diminished.
In addition to cellular limitations, original iPhone owners face a myriad of other challenges. The inaugural model operates on an antiquated version of iOS (iPhone OS 3.1.3), precluding updates and rendering many modern applications incompatible.
Moreover, the device is likely to suffer from aged components, such as a deteriorating battery, and may require repairs that Apple no longer provides, given the substantial time elapsed since its retirement.
For collectors, the sealed 4 GB iPhone 2G models are particularly coveted, their financial value intrinsic to their pristine condition and original packaging.
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