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The King’s Button was a one-off iPhone 3G redesigned by Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson. Its defining feature was a 6.6-carat diamond in place of the Home button, and launch-era reports put its asking price at roughly €1.6 million to €1.79 million—often translated as about US$2.5 million. The “world’s most expensive phone” label belongs to contemporary 2009 coverage, not a verified current record.
What was the King’s Button iPhone?
It was a bespoke jewelry customization built around Apple’s iPhone 3G, not a separate phone model made by Apple. Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson created the one-off design, which replaced the standard handset’s understated finish with precious metals and diamonds. New Atlas reported on the phone in March 2009, while Macworld also covered the design that year.
How was the phone decorated?
Accounts describe a body incorporating 18-carat yellow, white, and rose gold. The Home button was replaced by a 6.6-carat diamond. Around the frame were approximately 138 additional diamonds; a contemporaneous Computerwoche report put their combined weight at 5.5 carats. Computerwoche’s January 2009 report supplies the count and combined weight.
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The large diamond was the defining visual feature, but the price reflected the entire one-off jewelry treatment and its rarity—not a major improvement to the phone’s electronics.
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How much did the King’s Button cost?
Two contemporary reports give different launch-era asking prices. New Atlas cited €1.636 million, approximately US$2.5 million. Computerwoche reported €1.79 million before VAT, adding that transport and insurance would cost extra and the final outlay could exceed €2 million. These are reported asking prices, not evidence of a completed sale or a current valuation.
| Report | Reported price | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| New Atlas, March 3, 2009 | €1.636 million; approximately US$2.5 million | Launch-era asking price |
| Computerwoche, January 12, 2009 | €1.79 million before VAT | Transport and insurance extra; the report said the final outlay could exceed €2 million |
The figures are not directly interchangeable: the reports differ in price, and Computerwoche explicitly excludes VAT, transport, and insurance from its listed amount. Both describe prices attached to the phone at the time, not a documented transaction.
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- Raised Screen Edges and Camera Guard Lens Frame.
- Elegant and Stylish Design, Sturdiness.
- Dirt-resistant, Drop-resistant, Scratch-resistant, Anti-Fingerprint Anti-scratch.
- Supports Wireless Charging.
How does that compare with an ordinary iPhone 3G?
Apple’s June 8, 2009 newsroom release listed the 8GB iPhone 3G at US$99 in the United States at that time. That ordinary-phone price provides useful historical context, but it is not a like-for-like valuation: the King’s Button’s asking price came from its bespoke materials, gemstone work, and one-off status. Apple’s announcement also introduced the iPhone 3GS, the next model in the product line.
Was it really the world’s most expensive phone?
Contemporary coverage in early 2009 called the King’s Button the world’s most expensive mobile phone. That is best understood as a period description tied to the reported asking price. The available reporting does not establish that the phone sold for that amount, nor does it verify a present-day record ranking.
Rank #3
- 【Compatible Model】Designed for iPhone 16 Case , perfect fit for your iPhone 16. Will not fit any other model. Please check your phone model before purchasing. Support wireless charging. Precious cutouts for speakers, charging ports, camera and buttons.
- 【Eye catching】Unique shiny luxurious design. Perfect accessory for a Women's Phone. Any Girl will love this sparkles on her phone.
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- 【Protection】Raised Edges around the screen and Camera help protect the Camera. Protect your phone from drops, scrapes, scratches, dust and debris. Raised lips for screen protection.
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Is the King’s Button still worth millions?
There is no verified later sale or appraisal in the cited reporting that establishes its current value. A present-day estimate would need evidence such as a documented sale, a credible appraisal, or confirmed information about its condition and provenance. The old asking price alone cannot show what a buyer would pay now.
That distinction matters for any rare luxury phone: an advertised asking price is not a sale price, and materials alone do not establish collectible value. Provenance, condition, whether the phone remains functional, and whether it is treated chiefly as jewelry or as a usable device can all matter to a valuation.
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- Bling Bling Phone Case: Many rhinestones are attached to the back of this cute case, they will shine like diamonds when there is light on the case. If you like bling, this glitter case is a must have.
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- Durable 3D Design: Made by highly skilled workers, the diamonds on the back of the case are very stable and rational distribution. Extra rhinestone diamonds also provide extra protection for your phones.
- Easy to Grip: Surrounded by many rhinestone, this case will be a little heavier than a normal case, gives you a great grip and touch feeling. Diamonds have been specially treated, so you don't have to worry about hurting your hands.
- Protect Cover Case: Raised case bezel and thickened case four corners, provide daily protection for your phone. Precise cut-outs also ensure proper use.
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- 🔒 Perfect Fit & Full Protection - Designed for iPhone 17 – Precision-engineered for your Phone, featuring shock-absorbent TPU and reinforced corners to guard against drops and scratches.
- ✨ Dazzling Bling & Glitter Design – Adorned with premium rhinestones and shimmering glitter accents for a luxurious, eye-catching style that stands out.
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- 📱 Easy Access & Wireless Charging Compatible – Uninterrupted access to ports, buttons, and cameras, plus seamless compatibility with wireless charging.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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