The TikTok Ban Frenzy: Used iPhones with TikTok Installed Selling for Thousands on eBay

2025-01-23

In a bizarre twist to the ongoing TikTok saga in the United States, used iPhones with the TikTok app pre-installed are being listed on eBay for exorbitant prices, with some sellers asking as much as $50,000. This unusual trend comes in the wake of the app’s ban in the U.S., which has left millions of users scrambling to find ways to access the popular social media platform. While the ban has created chaos for TikTok enthusiasts, opportunistic sellers are attempting to cash in on the situation by offering devices that still have the app installed. But is this a golden opportunity or just a fleeting frenzy? Let’s dive into the details.

The TikTok Ban: A Quick Recap

The TikTok ban in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster of legal and political developments. On January 19, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ban, leading to the app’s removal from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. TikTok went offline in the U.S. shortly after, leaving users in a state of uncertainty. However, former President Donald Trump intervened with a social media post, promising to suspend the ban and shield companies from liability for ignoring it. This led to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, restoring access to the app.

Trump followed up with an executive order, stating that the ban would not be enforced for 75 days and that companies violating the law would not face penalties. However, legal experts quickly pointed out that the order might not hold up in court, leaving companies potentially liable for fines totaling $850 billion. This uncertainty has created a gray area, with some companies continuing to comply with the ban while others explore workarounds.

The eBay Gold Rush

Amid this confusion, some enterprising individuals have turned to eBay to sell used iPhones and Android devices with TikTok pre-installed. A quick search for “TikTok phone” on the platform reveals over 9,000 listings, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to an eye-watering $50,000 for an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max. While these listings have garnered attention, it appears that most buyers are not biting. Many of the overpriced phones remain unsold, with some transactions only occurring through eBay’s “best offer” feature, where buyers propose lower, more reasonable prices.

The ability to sell these devices stems from a peculiarity in how iCloud works. If a user downloads apps using their Apple ID and then sells the device to someone else who signs in with their own Apple ID, the pre-installed apps remain on the device. However, if the new owner restores the phone from their iCloud backup, the apps will be lost. This makes the longevity of TikTok on these devices uncertain, further diminishing their value.

A Better Alternative: Accessing TikTok via the Web

For those desperate to continue using TikTok, purchasing an overpriced phone may not be the best solution. Instead, accessing TikTok through a web browser might be a more practical and cost-effective option. While the experience may not be as seamless as using the app, it provides a way to stay connected to the platform without breaking the bank.

What Undercode Say:

The TikTok ban and the subsequent eBay listings highlight the intersection of technology, law, and human behavior in the digital age. Here are some key insights and analyses:

1. The Power of Scarcity: The TikTok ban has created a sense of scarcity, driving up the perceived value of devices with the app installed. This phenomenon is not new; scarcity often leads to inflated prices, as seen with limited-edition products or collectibles. However, in this case, the scarcity is artificial and tied to legal and political decisions rather than market demand.

2. The Role of Uncertainty: The legal ambiguity surrounding the TikTok ban has fueled opportunistic behavior. Sellers are capitalizing on the uncertainty, hoping to profit from users’ fear of losing access to the platform. This underscores the importance of clear and consistent regulations in the tech industry.

3. Consumer Behavior: The lack of sales for most overpriced listings suggests that consumers are not easily swayed by hype. While some may be tempted to pay a premium for a TikTok-enabled device, the majority are likely waiting for a more stable solution or turning to alternatives like web access.

4. The Fragility of Digital Access: The TikTok ban serves as a reminder of how fragile digital access can be. A single legal or political decision can disrupt the lives of millions of users and create ripple effects across industries. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of platforms that rely heavily on user-generated content and engagement.

5. The Future of TikTok in the U.S.: While the current situation is chaotic, it is unlikely to be the final chapter for TikTok in the U.S. The platform’s massive user base and cultural influence make it a valuable asset, and ByteDance is likely to explore all possible avenues to regain access to the American market. This could involve legal challenges, partnerships with U.S. companies, or even the development of a new app tailored to comply with U.S. regulations.

In conclusion, the TikTok ban and the resulting eBay listings are a fascinating case study in how technology, law, and human behavior intersect. While the frenzy may eventually subside, it highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise in an increasingly digital world. For now, users may want to think twice before shelling out thousands of dollars for a TikTok-enabled phone—there are likely better and more affordable ways to stay connected.