In an unusual twist, some people sell iPhones with TikTok installed for exorbitant prices. The most striking listing? A phone for $50,000. This bizarre trend emerged following a recent ban on TikTok in the United States, stirring fears about the app’s future and prompting sellers to cash in on the situation.
The TikTok Ban
TikTok has officially been banned in the U.S. since January 19, 2025. The law prohibiting the app briefly took effect, but President Donald Trump intervened with an executive order. This order granted TikTok a 75-day extension, allowing it to remain operational in the U.S. for now. However, it does not lift the ban. Instead, it instructs the U.S. Attorney General to refrain from enforcing the law temporarily. As a result, major app stores, including Apple and Google, have decided not to distribute TikTok anymore.
This situation means users who have not previously downloaded TikTok cannot access it. Those who already have the app can still use it, but the lack of availability has opened a market for devices with TikTok preinstalled.
High Price Tags
Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy are filled with listings for used phones featuring TikTok. Many sellers are asking for astronomical prices, sometimes comparable to purchasing a new car. For instance, one seller is offering a Samsung Galaxy Note9, typically valued at around $250, for an astonishing $50,000. This outrageous price is negotiable, with the seller claiming, “The lowest I’ll go is $15,000.” Surprisingly, no bids have been placed on the listing.
While many listings are clearly unrealistic, some sellers are capitalizing on the current situation. A seller from New York listed an old iPhone for the same $50,000. “I did it to see if I get lucky,” he stated. A quick search on these online marketplaces reveals numerous phones, iPads, and Android devices listed for similar prices. Although it’s doubtful anyone will pay such exorbitant amounts, some devices have sold for much more reasonable prices, generally between a few hundred dollars to just over $1,000.
Risks Involved
This trend may seem amusing, but experts warn of serious consequences. Ryan McGrady, a computer scientist at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, cautions against the potential risks of purchasing such devices. He highlights that people might overlook essential precautions when trying to acquire a device with TikTok. “It’s a bad actor’s dream to sell someone a phone that you know they’re going to use all day without wiping it first,” McGrady says. There could be malware or other harmful software lurking on these devices.
Furthermore, desperate users may fall victim to scams promising to restore their access to TikTok. McGrady likens the situation to the past frenzy over the mobile game Flappy Bird, which was abruptly removed from app stores in 2014. After its removal, many scammers sold phones with the game preinstalled, often loaded with viruses that compromised users’ data.
Government Concerns
The U.S. government’s ban on TikTok stems from fears surrounding its Chinese ownership. Lawmakers worry that China could exploit the app to gather user data or manipulate the content that users see. Unlike Europe, the U.S. lacks comprehensive privacy laws, creating a chaotic environment regarding data protection.
Despite these concerns, the future of TikTok may not be as bleak as it seems. On Monday, President Trump revealed that Microsoft was in negotiations to buy TikTok, potentially keeping the app alive in the U.S. But until a resolution is reached, users should think twice before investing in that $50,000 iPhone with TikTok preinstalled.
Conclusion
As the market fluctuates around the TikTok ban, the sale of iPhones with the app preinstalled raises eyebrows and concerns alike. While some individuals see it as a chance to profit, experts urge caution due to the potential risks involved. In a landscape where desperation can lead to poor decisions, consumers must remain vigilant and aware of the implications of their choices.
