Phones with pre-installed TikTok for sale for thousands of dollars on eBay.
Translating to English: Responding to the question: "How much would you be willing to pay to use TikTok?"
eBay sellers have found an opportunity in the uncertainty surrounding TikTok in the United States by offering second-hand phones with the app already installed for thousands of dollars. As developments unfold regarding the potential ban on TikTok, listings for mobile devices with the app pre-installed have significantly increased in the online marketplace.
On January 18, users in the United States received a message informing them about the implementation of a law prohibiting TikTok, which would prevent them from accessing the app. However, the following day, TikTok became available again after President Trump announced that the ban would be suspended for 75 days to determine the next steps. In this uncertain context, the app is unavailable for download from the Apple and Google app stores, prompting sellers to take advantage of the situation and seek economic gains.
Currently, a search for "TikTok phone" on eBay yields over 24,000 results, with prices ranging from $400 to a staggering $4,970,400, which includes a video editing app, CapCut, also from ByteDance. Some devices are being auctioned for one million dollars but have yet to receive any bids. On the other hand, auction options in the $50 to $500 range have generated numerous offers, including an iPhone 13 with TikTok, which has already received five bids and is auctioned at $10,000. This indicates that there are buyers willing to pay a high price for access to the app.
The status of TikTok and other ByteDance apps does not allow their download in the United States due to the PAFACA law, which has not yet been officially revoked. According to the Apple App Store support page, "Apple is obligated to comply with the laws of the jurisdiction in which it operates." If you already have the app on your device, it will remain there, but it cannot be redownloaded if deleted. Users will be unable to make in-app purchases or receive updates, which could affect functionality in the future.
Therefore, those who have acquired a new phone after January 19 or have recently deleted TikTok find themselves in a complicated situation. However, thanks to eBay, there is still a way to access the app, albeit at a significant cost.
