Friday, 4 April 2025
27.9 C
Singapore
29.8 C
Thailand
24.9 C
Indonesia
27.3 C
Philippines

TikTok-loaded smartphones sell for thousands of dollars on eBay and Facebook

TikTok-loaded smartphones are listed for thousands of dollars online as the app becomes unavailable in US app stores amid ongoing uncertainty.

Smartphones preloaded with TikTok are listed online for tens of thousands of dollars on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. While the demand is evident, it remains unclear whether buyers will pay these sky-high prices.

TikTok, the widely popular short-video app, was briefly unavailable to download in the United States over the past weekend. However, as of Sunday, those who had already downloaded the app could still use it. For anyone who didnโ€™t act in time, the app is now unavailable on Apple and Googleโ€™s US app stores, making these preloaded devices a rare commodity.

TikTok ban delayed, but uncertainty continues

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of a TikTok ban until early April. This decision came shortly after the US Supreme Court upheld a law that requires TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer by January 19 or face a ban from US app stores.

TikTokโ€™s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing, and concerns over data privacy have driven the US governmentโ€™s attempts to limit the appโ€™s availability. Despite the current ban, TikTok remains accessible to its estimated 170 million US users who have already downloaded it.

The temporary pause in enforcing the ban has left a window of opportunity for entrepreneurial sellers. Devices preloaded with TikTok and other ByteDance apps, such as Lemon8 and CapCut, are now being sold onlineโ€”prices on eBay range from US$340 to an astonishing US$50,000.

Enterprising sellers cash in on TikTok demand

One such seller, Nicholas Matthews from New York, listed his iPhone 14 Plus, preloaded with TikTok, for US$10,000. Matthews revealed that his highest bid so far was US$4,550. “Iโ€™m just expecting to sell this one phone,” he explained.

While listings for tens of thousands of dollars may seem excessive, smartphones in the hundreds attract the most bids. Still, no clear data exists on how many of these devices have been sold.

E-commerce giant eBay has yet to comment on the listings. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether the delayed TikTok ban will be held and if ByteDance is willing to sell its US operations to avoid further restrictions.

As uncertainty continues, preloaded devices are becoming a hot ticket for those who missed their chance to download TikTok. However, whether buyers are truly willing to part with thousands of dollars for such devices is still up in the air.

Hot this week

OpenAI secures US$40 billion in funding at US$300 billion valuation

OpenAI secures US$40B, reaching a US$300B valuation, to advance AI research and expand Stargate.

Garmin launches premium Connect+ plan to boost health and fitness tracking

Garmin introduces Connect+ with AI insights, advanced training tools, and social features to help users reach their health and fitness goals.

Chinese investor questions commercial future of humanoid robots

Chinese venture capitalist Allen Zhu questions the commercial potential of humanoid robots, sparking debate amid rising AI investment in China.

Apple Intelligence now supports English (Singapore) with the latest update

Appleโ€™s latest update brings Apple Intelligence support for English (Singapore), making AI features more accessible without needing US English settings.

Tenable reveals privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run

Tenable uncovers a privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run, exposing risks linked to inherited permissions and service interdependencies.

Spotify introduces AI-powered ads and programmatic ad buying

Spotify unveils AI-powered ads and the Spotify Ad Exchange, making it easier for advertisers to reach Gen Z listeners with real-time bidding.

YouTube expands shopping affiliate programme in Singapore through Shopee partnership

YouTube teams up with Shopee to launch its Shopping affiliate programme in Singapore, giving creators new ways to monetise their content.

Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to deter young women in Singapore

New research shows stereotypes and lack of support are deterring young women from STEM careers, posing a risk to Singaporeโ€™s innovation goals.

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Related Articles