A primary era 4GB mannequin of the Apple iPhone from 2007 has offered for greater than £145,000 at public sale within the US.

The machine was first launched by the then Apple CEO Steve Jobs and retailed at a beginning value of $499 (about £269 on the time), however was discontinued simply two months later amid disappointing gross sales figures.

Consumers largely favoured the 8GB mannequin - launched on the similar time with further storage capability however priced at round $100 extra.

Described by LCG Auctions as "one of the most important and ubiquitous inventions of our lifetime", the public sale of the "exceedingly rare" factory-sealed 4GB mannequin was initially anticipated to boost as much as round £75,000.

Its ultimate sale value was $190,372.80 (£145,531.44) with the machine attracting 28 bids.

LCG Auctions stated the "elusive model" is "considered a Holy Grail amongst iPhone collectors" with its "extreme scarcity directly related to its limited production".

The public sale agency's web site additionally stated: "Our providing is an exceedingly uncommon, manufacturing unit sealed, first-release 4GB mannequin in distinctive situation.

"Virtually flawless along the surface and edges, the factory seal is clean with correct seam details and tightness.

"Brand new, by no means activated.

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"The phone's provenance is pristine as the consignor was part of the original engineering team at Apple when the iPhone first launched.

"Collectors and buyers could be exhausting pressed to discover a superior instance.

"Relevance and rarity comprise a winning formula for this red-hot collectible."