Research Summary
This report investigates the cost of an iPhone in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) over the years. It examines historical price data of BTC and ETH, taken at the daily close on iPhone launch dates for each iPhone generation since 2011 and 2015 respectively. The prices were then mapped to the USD launch price of each iPhone, to determine the equivalent amount of BTC and ETH to purchase one. The report reveals that the cost of an iPhone in BTC and ETH has significantly decreased over time due to the price hikes of BTC and ETH.
Key Takeaways
Cost of iPhone 15 in BTC and ETH
- Bitcoin Price of iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 costs 0.031 BTC, which is 27.1% lower than the cost of the iPhone 14 in BTC. This decrease is attributed to BTC’s rally over the past year, from $18,859 to $25,867, a gain of 37.2%.
- Ether Price of iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 costs 0.50 ETH, which is 1.9% lower than the cost of the iPhone 14 in ETH. ETH has mostly traded sideways during the same period, resulting in an insignificant difference in iPhone cost in ETH.
Historical Cost of iPhones in BTC and ETH
- Decrease in BTC and ETH Cost: The amount of BTC and ETH required to purchase an iPhone has dropped 99% over time. This is due to the price hikes of BTC and ETH, which outpace the price increase of Apple iPhones.
- Comparison with Previous Models: An iPhone 4S, which retailed at $649, is equivalent to 162.2 BTC when it was first released in 2011. In 2023, the new iPhone 15 retails 23% higher at $799, which equates to 0.031 BTC – reflecting a 99.9% drop in the amount of Bitcoin required to purchase an iPhone.
Actionable Insights
- Understanding Cryptocurrency Value: The report provides a unique perspective on the value of cryptocurrencies over time. By comparing the cost of a tangible product like an iPhone in BTC and ETH, it offers a clear illustration of the dramatic increase in the value of these cryptocurrencies.
- Investigate the Potential: The significant decrease in the amount of BTC and ETH required to purchase an iPhone over the years highlights the potential of these cryptocurrencies. It suggests that early adopters who held onto their BTC or ETH could potentially afford more iPhones now than they could at the time of their initial investment.
