Apple’s iPhone 4 Is Suddenly Back In China

Apple’s 2011 iPhone 4S is reappearing across online marketplaces as budget pricing meets nostalgia culture.

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Data from several sites on Pinduoduo, a prominent Chinese e-commerce website, indicate that the 4S is priced as low as approximately US$8, with over 3,000 units sold in the past 30 days and preorders surpassing 28,000, as reported by Znews.

Lei Technology, a technology publication, stated that the increase is attributed to nostalgia rather than an atypical marketing initiative. Introduced in 2011, the 4S was the final iPhone to include a 3.5-inch Retina display. It is esteemed as an industrial design symbol, characterised by its steel frame and two glass panels, frequently linked to Apple's period under co-founder Steve Jobs. "While grasping this compact phone, the robust sensation and intricate details evoke memories of my initial desire for one, which I could not financially attain," remarked a Pinduoduo purchaser in a review. "For the cost of a fast-food meal, I have realised a childhood aspiration."

The 4S is progressively being utilised as a music player, voice recorder, or desk alarm clock. The obsolete operating system, which no longer accommodates contemporary applications like Facebook or TikTok, has been characterised by certain users as an efficient method to diminish social media engagement. The device has moreover emerged as a portable gaming console. Listings on Pinduoduo frequently include famous mobile games such as "Where’s My Water?", "Fruit Ninja", and "Infinity Blade".

The widespread retro trend among young consumers has enhanced demand, with several purchasers utilising the 4S as a fashion piece or a vintage-style digital camera. Lei Technology observed that its appeal is enhanced by a grainy photographic style preferred by certain users.

Certain parents have selected the model as a communication tool for their children to mitigate distractions from social media. Forbes said that the obsolete equipment presents significant security threats. The iPhone 4S operates on an obsolete iOS version and no longer receives security or encryption updates, rendering it susceptible to data harvesting and various digital threats.

Apple issued the last iOS update for the 2014 model, indicating that any personal data kept on the device is no longer sufficiently safeguarded.