Key Takeaways:

• Used iPhones with TikTok installed are being listed at significantly inflated prices on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
• An uncertain legal climate regarding TikTok has led to a surge in demand for devices with the app pre-installed.
• Sellers are capitalizing on the situation, with listings for used iPhones reaching up to $30,000 in some cases.
• Major tech companies, including Apple and Google, have temporarily removed TikTok from their app stores, fueling this demand.
• Some users have found creative ways to market their devices, even including proofs such as screenshots of installed apps.

In a surprising twist of the smartphone market, listings for used iPhones pre-installed with TikTok have exploded, as uncertainty surrounding the app's availability in the U.S. continues to loom. Following the Supreme Court's backing of a law that prompted TikTok's removal from app stores, some smartphone users deleted the app from their devices, while others are seeing their phones as highly sought-after commodities. According to The New York Times, an information technology engineer listed his iPhone 15 Pro with TikTok for an astonishing $3,000 on Facebook Marketplace, more than double the typical price of a new iPhone 16 Pro.

The fervor to own a device with TikTok continues to demonstrate the extreme valuation that users place on social media access. Reports from Business Insider indicated that hundreds of listings for used iPhones featuring the app emerged, with some sellers advertising prices that significantly exceed standard retail costs—ranging from $3,000 to a staggering $20,000 for certain models. Listings have also included assurances that the devices are “unlocked with TikTok,” showcasing a shift in how smartphones are marketed amidst the app’s contentious status.

As the legal landscape surrounding TikTok becomes more complex, with Apple and Google having removed the app to adhere to regulations as noted by India Times, sellers are leveraging the situation to drive sales. For example, a seller actively showcased screen recordings as verification of the app's presence to entice buyers further. Customers are keenly aware of the looming potential to lose access to TikTok, leading to drastic price increases across used devices.

While some listings might seem unrealistic—in the thousands—buyers are nonetheless making bids, indicating a mixture of demand and ludicrous pricing strategies. Therefore, the current trend reflects not only heightened interest in smartphones but a fluctuating market driven by social media influence and legal hurdles.