約144万円のApple50周年記念iPhone、Appleと関係ないところから登場
apple
| Source: Mastodon | Original article
A handcrafted, ultra‑luxury iPhone priced at roughly ¥1.44 million (about $10,000) has surfaced online, marketed as a “Apple 50th‑anniversary” edition despite having no official link to the company. The device, limited to nine units, is being sold by a Japanese boutique that has embedded a fragment of Steve Jobs’s iconic turtle‑neck sweater into the chassis and fitted the phone with a gold‑plated frame, a sapphire‑glass back and a bespoke leather case. The boutique’s website lists the phone alongside a limited‑run Apple Watch Series 11, positioning the offering as a collector’s piece rather than a mainstream product.
The appearance of the phone matters for several reasons. First, it underscores the growing market for high‑end, custom‑modified smartphones that cater to affluent collectors and brand enthusiasts, a niche that has expanded alongside the rise of AI‑driven personalization. Second, the use of Apple’s trademarked design and the “Apple 50th‑anniversary” label raises potential intellectual‑property concerns, prompting speculation about whether Apple will pursue legal action or tacitly tolerate the venture as free publicity. Third, the launch coincides with Apple’s own anniversary celebrations in Japan, which include pop‑up events, a special performance by virtual idol Mori Calliope and the rollout of new hardware such as the Apple Watch Series 11, amplifying public attention on the brand.
Observers will watch whether Apple issues a statement clarifying its stance on the unofficial device and whether the boutique’s limited run sells out quickly, signalling demand for luxury tech memorabilia. The episode also hints at how AI‑enhanced customization could become a mainstream revenue stream for both official manufacturers and third‑party artisans, a trend that may reshape the premium smartphone market in the coming year.
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