Old iPhones are now being sold for up to US$25,000. A recent surge in popularity among collectors has reportedly caused this drastic increase in resale value of old Apple gadgets.

Currently on eBay, a 1st generation iPhone with 8GB memory space is being sold for $25,000. The buyer has stated that this particular model comes in mint condition, being factory sealed and never opened or used. 

A similar listing on eBay features another 1st generation iPhone, this time the older 4 GB version, currently priced at $18,000. Other eBay listings for the 1st generation iPhones currently range from $250 to $3,000, depending on how mint condition the product is.

As for iPods, resale websites reportedly have the 2001 iPod classic available for up to $49,000, with even new and used models ranging in several thousands in price.

Reports suggest that old Apple gadgets always had high resale value due to being premium expensive products at launch. But after Apple discontinued the iPod classic back in 2014, the resale value began to increase. In recent years, the demand for older iPhone models have grown among dedicated Apple fans, culminating to a collectible craze. 

According to a report by The Guardian, Apple products, even the older ones, are beloved among fans, and are in demand even after discontinuation. Reports further suggest that many professional traders still choose to deal in older iPhones out of loyalty to Steve Jobs and the brand history of Apple. 

If you are planning on selling your old iPhone, keep some important tips in mind. 

Make sure the phone is completely unlocked. This means it needs to be reset to factory settings, with all personal data completely deleted. This will require the use of your Apple ID. It is legally impossible to break a locked iPhone, so you won't get any value if your old iPhone is locked.

Keep the device fully charged before sending it away for good. For security measures, remove any passwords and locks and any additional information that may pertain to your personal data. 

Remember to keep a realistic expectation in mind before selling. Study the market, and if possible, include the original packaging to fetch a higher price.