The iPhone 4 unexpectedly 'returns'.

Fifteen years after its official launch, the iPhone model that once made a huge mark in Apple's history has unexpectedly become the center of attention on social media.

The iPhone 4 holds a significant historical importance for Apple. Photo: iMore .

According to reports from GadgetHacks and Forbes , a study by phone recycling company Compare and Recycle shows that Google searches for the phrase "buy iPhone 4" increased by 979% in 2025. This figure reflects a clear increase in demand, especially among young people. On TikTok, many celebrities are "digging up" old iPhones, filming the process of using them and sharing their feelings as a way of paying tribute to the technology style of the previous decade.

For many people born in the 1990s and early 2000s, the iPhone 4 holds a special place as their first smartphone, associated with teenage memories. The return of this phone is therefore deeply emotional and nostalgic.

Launched in June 2010, the iPhone 4 made a strong impression with its 3.5-inch screen, square design, stainless steel frame, and minimalist, flat glass back. In a landscape where smartphones are increasingly large, heavy, and rounded, the compact, sharp-edged design of the iPhone 4 remains a symbol of fashion and individuality.

Another factor contributing to this trend is the nostalgic imagery from the iPhone 4 camera. On TikTok, the hashtag #digicam has garnered over 700,000 posts and around 350,000 videos , in which the iPhone 4 is used as a retro-style photography tool.

In terms of specifications, the iPhone 4 is clearly inferior to modern smartphones. It only has a 5 MP camera with limited light-gathering capabilities, while the latest iPhone models have reached 48 MP resolution. However, these limitations are precisely what make it appealing. Hardware flaws and rudimentary image processing technology create noise and high contrast, giving it a distinctive nostalgic feel.

The iPhone 4 was the last phone that Steve Jobs introduced. Photo: Apple .

On social media, many Apple fans believe that the return of the iPhone 4 reflects nostalgia for the Steve Jobs era. This was the last iPhone model he personally introduced and is often considered a groundbreaking product, from its design and Retina display to its dual-glass construction. Some argue that product launches during Jobs' time always felt fresh and innovative, while modern smartphones mainly focus on upgrading specifications.

The trend of retro technology spreading on TikTok once again raises questions about the aesthetics and experience of modern technology. The "revival" of the iPhone 4 shows that older smartphone models still have their own value.

Source: https://znews.vn/iphone-4-bat-ngo-tro-lai-post1619231.html