Retro Tech Trend Focuses on Old iPhone Cameras

In South Korea, there’s a growing trend that’s seeing a spike in interest for older Apple iPhone models, particularly due to the unique qualities of their cameras. This fascination doesn’t just encompass “vintage” smartphone cameras but also includes outdated, discontinued digital cameras, as reported by The Korea Times, based on findings from the Hankook Ilbo newspaper.

This phenomenon, known as “youngtro” (a blend of “young” and “retro”), is predominantly embraced by Millennials and Generation Z. The appeal is further amplified by popular musicians and public figures who are hopping on the bandwagon, sharing images on social media that prominently feature these classic devices alongside their subjects.

But what drives someone to choose an original iPhone SE for photography when the new iPhone 16 series boasts an advanced camera? One student shared, “I find the design of older iPhones from the Steve Jobs era more nostalgic and visually appealing compared to contemporary models,” while another noted, “Photos taken with old iPhones exhibit more distinctive colors than those captured with newer versions.”

Interestingly, many individuals immersed in this trend carry both a modern smartphone and an older device or vintage digital camera for their photography needs. They often utilize these cameras in conjunction with retro filters, mirroring the very aesthetic that propelled Instagram to fame long ago. This obsession with nostalgia doesn’t stop at smartphone photography; wired headphones have also gained traction, fueled by celebrity endorsements in mid-2024. Additionally, there’s been a resurgence in the popularity of instant cameras, leading to recent studies indicating that the instant camera market is thriving, despite the dominance of smartphones.

This renewed interest has led to a notable increase in prices for these once-overlooked devices. Reports suggest that the cost of popular older digital cameras has surged threefold over the last few years, with increasing numbers of people seeking to sell outdated iPhone models like the iPhone 6S for potential profit. This resurgence of nostalgia isn’t entirely new—think of the renewed interest in vinyl records and retro gaming consoles—but it’s intriguing to observe how relatively recent smartphone models are now joining this nostalgic wave.

With Apple gearing up to unveil a new version of the iPhone SE, set to feature a 48MP camera to replace the old 12-megapixel rear camera, the original iPhone SE from 2022 may soon become a highly sought-after collectible, particularly in South Korea.