**iPhones with TikTok Installed Selling for Big Bucks on eBay After Brief Ban**
In a bizarre consequence of the ongoing US-China tech tensions, iPhones with TikTok installed are selling for thousands of dollars on eBay after a brief ban on the popular social media app.
Earlier this week, the US government announced that it would ban TikTok, citing national security concerns due to the app’s Chinese ownership. The move sparked panic among TikTok users, who feared that their favorite app would be taken away.
However, in a surprise reversal, a federal judge blocked the ban, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US. But for a brief period, the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate created a unique opportunity for enterprising sellers.
On eBay, listings for iPhones with TikTok installed began popping up, with some sellers claiming that the devices were “TikTok-proof” or “guaranteed to work with TikTok.” The phones, which range from older models to brand-new devices, are being sold at significantly higher prices than their usual retail value.
One listing, for an iPhone 12 Pro with 128GB of storage and TikTok pre-installed, was selling for $2,500 – a whopping $1,000 premium over the phone’s usual price. Another listing, for a refurbished iPhone 11 with TikTok, was going for $1,800 – a $500 markup.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people selling iPhones with TikTok for thousands of dollars,” said tech analyst, Sarah Johnson. “It’s a classic case of supply and demand, with sellers capitalizing on the uncertainty surrounding the app’s future.”
While some buyers are snapping up the devices, others are skeptical about the long-term value of purchasing a phone solely for its TikTok compatibility.
“I mean, it’s just a phone, right?” said Emily Chen, a college student who uses TikTok regularly. “I wouldn’t pay extra for a phone just because it has TikTok installed. There are plenty of other ways to access the app.”
As the situation continues to unfold, eBay sellers are cashing in on the brief window of opportunity. But for how long? Only time will tell if these TikTok-enabled iPhones will retain their value or become a footnote in the history of tech.
**UPDATE**: eBay has since announced that it will be monitoring listings for iPhones with TikTok and may remove any that are deemed to be price-gouging or misleading. The company has also stated that it will work with Apple to ensure that buyers are aware of the devices’ compatibility with TikTok.
