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eBay Listings for TikTok iPhones Soar to $50,000!

1/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

iPhones with pre-installed TikTok are listed on eBay for prices up to $50,000 following the U.S. ban.
The app is no longer available in Apple and Google stores, preventing reinstallation for users who deleted it.
Around 9,000 TikTok-enabled smartphones are listed, but most lack active bids.
Actual sales prices are typically much lower than the asking amounts.
TikTok's future availability is uncertain due to ongoing legal discussions.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government's scrutiny of TikTok traces back to 2020, when the Trump administration labeled it a national security threat due to data privacy concerns linked to its Chinese ownership. This led to proposed bans and legal battles. The current eBay listings for TikTok-enabled iPhones reflect ongoing uncertainty about the app's future, echoing past tensions over foreign tech influence in America.

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Story summary

iPhones with pre-installed TikTok are listed on eBay for prices up to $50,000 following the U.S. ban.
The app is no longer available in Apple and Google stores, preventing reinstallation for users who deleted it.
Around 9,000 TikTok-enabled smartphones are listed, but most lack active bids.
Actual sales prices are typically much lower than the asking amounts.
TikTok's future availability is uncertain due to ongoing legal discussions.

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