MKBHD Bought and Unboxed an Original $40,000 iPhone

Auction Adventures

The journey to acquire an unopened original iPhone was filled with excitement and challenges. Marques Brownlee and Andrew Manganelli recount the auction process, where the starting bid was set at $32,000, but the estimated value ranged from $40,000 to $60,000 1. Despite the high stakes, Marques managed to secure the iPhone at the lowest possible price while driving, pulling over to ensure he didn't miss the opportunity 2. The auction's authenticity was underscored by the live-streamed bidding, which added a layer of legitimacy to the process 3.

   

Mysterious Discovery

The unboxing of the original iPhone revealed some intriguing mysteries. Upon activation, the iPhone displayed a peculiar name, "GD Local," which led to hours of research and speculation about its origins 4. David Imel proposed theories ranging from a factory reset error to a potential Apple test bench name, though no concrete evidence was found 5. Despite these uncertainties, the iPhone's pristine condition and the presence of an Apple retail sticker confirmed its authenticity, making it a rare collector's item 6.

   

Historical Significance

The original iPhone holds significant historical and emotional value for the hosts. Marques reflects on the iPhone's impact as possibly the most successful product from a single company, reminiscing about the era when it was first released 7. The unboxing experience was nostalgic, revealing accessories like a dock that highlighted Apple's design evolution 8. Despite the high purchase price, the iPhone's rarity and the story behind acquiring it add to its allure, making it a prized possession for Marques and his team 9.