Used iPhones that come with TikTok already installed are currently being listed on eBay for exorbitant prices, as individuals attempt to monetize the app’s ban. One particular listing is even asking for $50,000 for an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max featuring the “TikTok app.”
Despite Trump’s executive order aimed at protecting companies from legal repercussions for violating the law, major companies like Apple and Google are still adhering to regulations by excluding TikTok from their US app stores.
Quick Overview
On Friday, the US Supreme Court supported a law that enforces a TikTok ban in the United States, which took effect on January 19. By Sunday, TikTok was no longer available in the US and had been removed from app stores. Apple stated that it was required to comply with the law.
Later that same day, Trump shared a post on social media signaling that he would lift the ban the following day upon assuming office, claiming that companies would not face any liabilities for disregarding the law during the interim. Bytedance restored access to the app as US host Oracle seemed to trust Trump’s assurances about liability.
Shortly after, Trump issued an executive order stating that the law would not be enforced for 75 days and that companies violating it would not incur penalties. However, legal experts quickly noted that this order seemed inconsistent with existing laws, potentially leaving companies liable for fines totaling $850 billion. There was also concern that Trump might change his stance against specific companies later on.
eBay Listings for iPhones with TikTok Installed
Wired reported that several eBay sellers were eager to exploit this situation by listing used Android and iPhones with TikTok pre-installed for prices far exceeding their actual market value.
A brief search for “TikTok phone” yields over 9,000 listings of used smartphones from brands like Apple and Samsung, all featuring the TikTok app already installed. The most outrageous listings include phones priced as high as $50,000, while many are found in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
Fortunately, it appears that reason is prevailing. The phones with inflated prices are not selling, and some listings have been completed thanks to eBay’s “best offer” feature, allowing buyers to propose amounts they are willing to pay, which may fall far below the seller’s asking price.
It’s feasible to use one of these iPhones due to a quirk in how iCloud purchases operate. If User A downloads apps using their Apple ID, and then User B signs in with their own Apple ID, the existing apps remain installed. However, restoring from one’s own iCloud backup would result in the loss of the pre-installed apps.
Accessing TikTok via the web may be a more viable alternative.
Image: Screenshot from eBay
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