The highly anticipated launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 is finally here, promising advanced features and upgrades over previous models. As the tech community buzzes with excitement, a unique question emerges: how much would this new iPhone, as well as older versions, cost if purchased with Bitcoin (BTC)?
The Cost of iPhones in Bitcoin
Over the years, Apple has released more than a dozen iPhone versions, each with new features and a premium price tag. Since Bitcoin’s inception in 2009, its value has seen a remarkable rise, significantly affecting how much each iPhone would cost in BTC.
What once required hundreds of BTC to purchase now requires only a fraction, as Bitcoin’s value has skyrocketed. To illustrate this fascinating trend, CoinGecko recently shared a detailed outline of iPhone prices in Bitcoin on X (formerly Twitter) on September 9. This analysis spans from the earliest iPhone models to the latest release.
For instance, the iPhone 4s, launched in 2011 when Bitcoin was still in its infancy and worth just a few dollars, would have cost about 162 BTC, which is valued at $9.17 million based on current rates. By 2012, the iPhone 5 entered the market amid Bitcoin’s steady rise, costing around 53 BTC at that time.
The iPhone 6 and 6s, released in 2014 and 2015, were priced at 1.7 BTC and 2.8 BTC, respectively. During these years, Bitcoin’s value surged but also experienced some fluctuations. In 2016 and 2017, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 were introduced, costing approximately 1.1 BTC and 0.19 BTC, respectively.
2017 also saw the launch of the iPhone X, priced at 0.14 BTC. In 2018, Bitcoin’s price stabilized following a significant leap in 2017, and the iPhone XS was released at a cost of 0.15 BTC. The iPhone 11, with its improved camera and features, debuted in 2019 and was priced at 0.068 BTC.
The year 2020 marked the arrival of the iPhone 12, coinciding with Bitcoin’s entry into mainstream finance. At that time, the iPhone 12 was priced at approximately 0.051 BTC. In 2021, as Bitcoin’s value soared to record highs, the iPhone 13 was introduced at an all-time low of 0.018 BTC.
Apple launched the iPhone 14 in 2022 at a cost of 0.042 BTC, followed by the iPhone 15 in 2023 at 0.031 BTC. Finally, the much-anticipated iPhone 16 has debuted in 2024, currently available at 0.014 BTC, valued at approximately $792.
BTC’s Growth Outpaces iPhone Prices
CoinGecko’s data reveals a significant decrease in the Bitcoin required to purchase the latest iPhone models over the years. This trend highlights Bitcoin’s transformation into a high-value asset within the financial world.
As Bitcoin continues to gain traction, characterized by widespread adoption and increased market demand, the dollar price of new iPhones will likely continue to rise. While Apple’s iPhone remains a symbol of cutting-edge technology, Bitcoin has evolved into a revolutionary payment system and financial asset.
In conclusion, the interplay between iPhone prices and Bitcoin value offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of both technology and cryptocurrency. As we witness the ongoing advancements in Apple’s iPhone series and Bitcoin’s growth, it’s clear that both have significantly impacted each other’s perceived value and market dynamics.
