What If You Bought Apple Stock Instead of Every New iPhone? You’d Have Over $100,000
Since the original iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has rolled out new models almost every year—each more advanced and expensive than the last. But here’s a surprising thought: what if, instead of upgrading to each new iPhone, you had invested that money into Apple stock (AAPL) instead? You could be sitting on a six-figure portfolio today.
A $13,000 Habit That Could Have Made You $128,000
The original iPhone debuted at $499 in 2007. If you had taken that same amount and bought AAPL stock instead, your investment would now be worth over $21,000.
Keep going year after year—investing the price of every new iPhone rather than buying it—and you would’ve spent about $13,060 over 17 years. But your total Apple stock holdings would now be worth $128,157. That’s an 880% return, all from simply redirecting your spending into Apple’s own stock.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how it would look:
| Year | iPhone Model | Price Invested | AAPL Stock Value Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | iPhone | $499 | $21,000+ |
| 2010 | iPhone 4 | $599 | ~$9,500 |
| 2014 | iPhone 6 | $649 | ~$6,400 |
| 2023 | iPhone 15 | $799 | TBD (still growing!) |
| … | … | … | … |
| Total | — | $13,060 | $128,157 |
Consumption vs. Investment
This comparison isn’t to bash iPhones. They’re incredibly useful and often necessary for communication, work, and entertainment. But this exercise highlights a crucial concept in personal finance: opportunity cost.
Every time you opt to buy a rapidly depreciating gadget instead of investing in a potentially appreciating asset, you’re making a long-term financial tradeoff. Most people don’t think twice about upgrading their phone every year—but few consider the compounding effect of those choices over decades.
The Power of Long-Term Investing
Few investors in 2007 could have predicted Apple’s future dominance. But the broader takeaway is timeless: identifying quality companies and consistently investing—even in small amounts—can result in tremendous growth over time.
- Apple stock has split multiple times, increased dividends, and become a cornerstone of many investment portfolios.
- The company’s innovation, ecosystem, and brand loyalty continue to drive its value.
- Time in the market, not timing the market, has always been the real wealth-building tool.
It’s Not All or Nothing
Of course, not everyone wants to skip every iPhone upgrade. But even skipping one or two over a decade—replacing them with investments—could meaningfully boost your net worth.
This isn’t just about Apple either. The lesson applies to any consistent spending pattern. Streaming subscriptions, takeout meals, luxury items—redirecting even a portion of that spending into long-term investments can change your financial trajectory.