I BOUGHT 300 BROKEN 1ST GEN IPHONES, can I fix them??

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In what quickly escalated to the largest project I've worked on for the channel, I bought a MASSIVE lot of 300 1st generation iPhone 2Gs.... Yeah this is a big one. These phones were sold for scrap and haven't been tested at all- so I have my work cut out for me! iPhone 2Gs are also notoriously difficult to repair, so this massive bulk iPhone listing took a long time to repair!! Let's see how many I can get working and how many of these phones are fated to be broken forever... oh and I may have to give some away ;)
time stamps
0:00 unboxing
1:48 sponsor
2:57 MASSIVE unboxing
6:26 cleaning and sorting
8:52 starting to test
12:14 making some progress
14:13 calling in reinforcements
16:24 method for restoring iPhone 2Gs
19:23 screen replacement
25:00 uncovering secrets on the phones
26:22 innovative battery replacement technique
27:43 finished phones!
31:39 a bittersweet conclusion
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[@dosdude1]

This was a fun project to be a part of! Although it proved to be a bit frustrating with the finicky nature of these first gen iPhones, the end result was pretty good!

[@jaypeitzer3719]

You absolutely amaze me. You're a consummate wizard. I have used your software to upgrade older Macs to newer OSs but watching you do mechanical repairs as well it just boggles my mind. Please keep uploading content.

[@DannyDorazio]

It's always a party when dosdude shows up

[@ZeroChanceLance]

You remind me of the good doctor

[@HammadAkhter]

@@jaypeitzer3719what tool?

[@dangus69420]

Since Luke is moving are you guys going to still do collabs?

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

You might have overlooked a gem here. I am referring to the one that doesn't have the name "iPhone" engraved on the back. Typically these were prototype units made for internal testing, as the two prototypes that were leaked on MacRumors in 2009 didn't have that engraving. I could be wrong but anyway...

[@Epicgamer_Mac]

That’s true! Luke, you gotta look into that and check the value!

[@teddybear1047]

Interesting idea 🤔🤔🤔

[@DengueBurger]

Boost

Or it was an aftermarket casing.

[@teddybear1047]

@ I am sure this would be easy to find out, we have to boost this and get a resolution! I would love for him to just stumble upon a weird prototype!!

[@CodyHeap480]

Quite possibly the most iPhone 2G’s in one place in the world, other than electronics recyclers.

[@lukemiani]

😳

[@NoobLord02]

@@lukemiani thats the most amount of iphones ive ever seen

[@NoobLord02]

sorry meant that is the most amount of iPhones i've ever seen in my whole life

[@HeyImRancover]

@@NoobLord02same man

[@DALOCKATTACK]

What is an iPhone 2G? That was never what they were called.

[@composimple364]

Two years ago I witnessed you moving from your previous location to your current place, installing that wall panel and setting up all that lighting. Mr. Rubin was helping you out… it’s getting emotional that I have followed you for four years. Keep going Luke!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Lauterec]

How fascinating. To think at one point, all of these were unboxed by proud owners, many of whom probably never had a smartphone before. At one point these were the ultimate status symbol, running the business world.

[@josephalberta1835]

you rock dude. we are thankful for your efforts! keeping old tech alive and out of the dumpster! would love to see more of this type of stuff from you in LA.

[@Slurkz]

Amazing project 💜 Good luck with the move. Exciting. Love your channel & style.

[@Wunderbaumsporting]

That’s a huge project to undertake! Well done! 🤩

[@1stafterhundred553]

The fact you keep inviting dosdude on your channel makes me so happy, just imagine the crazy projects they could both work on in future vids!

[@cypherian2]

GOOD LUCK IN LA LUKE!!! Been a big fan of you and this channel for awhile now, and it was great to see you make this transition in your life on a high note! I never owned the Original iPhone... I waited for the 3GS to come out and started my journey there. Right now I'm still rocking an 11 and I'll use it until it totally craps out! However, all your blood sweat and tears are not wasted on me. I still greatly enjoyed this look back at these pioneering phones, and was actually shocked you got as many as you did working again! The iPhone was disruptive, trans formative, and continues to change our lives. Thanks for all you do, my friend, and see you again soon!

[@itstzuwei]

Really really great work Luke. You’re one of my fav YT working on old tech and making them great. Nice job.

[@lukemiani]

Wow, thanks!

[@itstzuwei]

wow thx for the heart.@@lukemiani I meant every word I said. It's easy to get into the whole buy new things cause they are nice - which I do as well when the need arises but your vids on getting old hardware to work, upgrading them, getting them helps the world in appreciating what was made before, and dare I say, encourages makers to produce things that end users would love. It's cause of you I'm still looking for the pristine 13 inch Intel 8th Gen MBP to have as a backup laptop - I have a 2012 MBA which is really showing its age now. Keep your powder dry.

[@xiix9090]

Amazing!!! And Congratulations 🎉!!! It was a long adventure and hope the best for the next. We don’t deserved you Luke!

[@SwissRuediger]

Merci Luke. I love your work. Looking forward to hearing from you from CA.

[@frankortega4280]

Your effort and dedication to completing your projects is off the charts impressive. I really enjoy your channel and I wish you much success in your new location. Looking forward to your next video. Safe travels.

[@SimplisticallyDigital]

This was such a great project and video Luke! Congratulations on your move! 🌟

[@AtelierOrgan]

Wow, such a big project. Well done sir! And it comes with an emotional ending... Good luck Luke. We look forward to seeing the next one!!

[@algordo]

A very entertaining video. Always a pleasure, Luke. You are doing a great job.

[@Epicgamer_Mac]

Omg I love you so much Luke. The effort you put in to make these vids is astounding. Loved when you brought Dosdude in too, he’s awesome!

[@kevinwu951]

I had my period of messing with the first gen iPhone (downgrading and jailbreaking mainly) and having a Windows 7 laptop helped immensely, mainly because of the ability to install much older versions of iTunes and trying different Apple Mobile Device Service drivers. It's really a trail and error process,. my downgrading method worked once but never again. Glad to see you have fun with all these devices that would otherwise be e-waste.

[@u156ck]

Thank you for sharing these experiences with us!

[@stormrider01]

Huge work from you! Incredible.

[@EvanNakagawa]

So this begs the question, how much did you pay for the lot and where are you going to be selling the fixed phones?

[@GilesWendes]

obviously a loss if you don't have a big channel

[@victorcarnicero6315]

And why 😮

[@andrewl.7445]

That’s for Luke to know and you to wonder.

[@USArmyVet91]

Okay that was the most epic sorting time lapse ever. Mind BLOWN! 😵

[@Itsraminstech]

This video was amazing. I can’t believe the scale of this project. I could never

[@jameslau6593]

Oh my god Luke, you had a such stamina to do these things intensively to the end!

[@jamesmccartermail]

One of your best videos Luke! Superb content keep these types of videos coming! 📱👌

[@flborges]

you're amazing man, thank you for such hard work

[@diptronic]

Amazing video, Luke! Can’t wait for your first West Coast vid!

[@notoryous2]

I had a lot of fun watching this. Thanks for your hard work!

[@pjdexter168]

Great Job Luke, and all the best with your huge move!

[@fadeddave]

Great video Luke. Never missed a video in years! Must be pre 2018 last time I missed one (except the podcast of course lol). Can’t wait for more content

[@kennyjayhardy]

I just love your work and your humor!

[@djt1034]

what an amazing video Luke, have loved your channel for years. got a bit emotional at the end, looking forward to seeing the new house! please do more videos on 5,1 Mac Pro, early 2010s Macs and Porsche stuff!!

[@Epicgamer_Mac]

Yes I agree! Do another “5,1 Mac Pro in 2023” video, but this time upgrading it with dual X5690’s, an NVME SSD, a really powerful graphics card (anything from Vega 64 to beastly RX 6600 XT) and 24 - 96 GB RAM! Then use OpenCore Legacy Patcher to make it run Sonoma. That’s what I did!

[@JonTrott]

Have fun in LA! I have no idea why I watched this video.... zero interest in iphones of any era. But it is just so fun watching you geek out on electronics.... and you sent me down my own MacBook Pro 2012 era unibody rabbit hole. Blessings.

[@panagiotispappas1001]

I knew they were iPhone 2Gs from the moment I saw the community post! Love your vids, keep up the amazing work Luke!

[@Lcap-]

I haven’t watched or seen your channel since the sealed 3g you bought a while back. Glad that I remembered this channel bc this is just so cool.

[@iniiarde]

Well done Luke, well done. You put in a ton of work there👏😊

[@richardzee8994]

Man, that took some dedication. Solid effort! And as always, awesome video!

[@jcsx90]

Thanks for the time you dedicated to give us this video!

[@AndyMcClements]

All the best to you dude, you earned it !

[@richardlanham4415]

Terrific Video Luke. Very impressive!

[@ColinKlupiec]

I really appreciate the tenacity you demonstrate in this video. I totally get it.

[@DodgerX]

Loved the vid and I appreciate all the work you put up for it.

[@TotDeMax99]

So cool to see! The 2G is the only one I still need for my collection

[@flirty_qwerty16]

Can’t wait for the new era of your content; good luck!

[@TuxedoPanther]

Amazing, well done and good luck with the move 😀👍

[@LifeWorthLivin]

Congrats Luke on crazy project and moving to new location 📱

[@simonturner5450]

Thanks for this to you and dosdude, fascinating. Good luck with the move and peace and happiness in LA.

Respect for the hustle

[@luisfelipemeira5158]

Amazing project! I remember when I saw the first iPhone in person when I was 12 years old. Love your channel! From 🇧🇷!!!

[@user-nw9km2nk6g]

thats cool that the 4gb model got restored and is working because those are kinda rare in fully working condition

[@NateCreed]

WOO! Enjoy the move! We look forward to having you on the West Coast (greetings from Seattle)

[@mattybraps7620]

This looks entertaining to watch! Thanks for sharing this!

[@gibamizu]

Good luck in your new place! Enjoy there!

[@kevinmendoza9499]

Congratulations on the move Luke!

[@tomwagner4516]

Great video! Always love it when you and DosDude get together. Good luck in your move to LA, but why? It seems the east coast with DosDude and Mac84 close by was the best for your content. Safe travels.

[@elcasho]

That was epic! I like that tech is so common now that it is starting to move to wreckers and repair videos

[@clementg001]

thank you, Luke! see you soon, cheers from France!

[@ChrisEpp]

Luke and Dosdude, such an awesome duo. Loved this video and something about repairing bulk lots just makes me so happy, thank you guys for pouring in so much time and work for this video!

[@DailyMTBRider]

I've watched you for years Luke and never commented but this video takes the cake! Thanks for all your hard work and for all you do - it never goes unnoticed and you provide great entertainment to apple nerds like me!

[@KalpeshPanchal]

Best wishes to you Luke. You've tried to be very consistent with your projects and content, which makes me believe that you'll do great in LA as well. Cheers! 😊👍

[@DannyDorazio]

Congrats on the move Luke!

[@chrissteele591]

Great content - would like to know what the lot cost, and what everything is worth in today's market. Great tip about the battery swap method.

[@fidiak]

Great video, amazing work. Thank you and good luck.

[@tortysoft]

Good luck mate !

[@sozdaich]

Awesome project, man!

[@alanpearly]

Good luck with the move to LA! Wish you all the best

[@jaryig3462]

hey Luke, finally a good video that stands for what you stand. cheers

[@philipslighting8240]

Good luck with your move. Keep up the good work.

[@federicomartin5044]

Nice video Luke, great project! I still hold my 8GB iPhone 2G in working condition (minus the camera, that crashes)

[@blackcoffeegarage]

Love ya, bud, happy to see you moving up & forward! Have fun in LA! California is amazing.

[@DamianMontero]

Good luck on the move. Great end to the series here at the DC location. Can't wait on what comes next!

[@alexis0a]

Great video, a lot of work, hope you can show us the new place! Good trip! :)

[@jaypeitzer3719]

A big welcome to Los Angeles I hope your move goes smoothly and that you settle into LA with no problems.

[@richiea591]

Nice video! Congrats on your move and God bless on your new adventure 😎👍✌️

[@realityos]

Exceptionally awesome video!

[@upupawayandbeyond]

Fantastic video. Great idea. Great adventure. I wish I had just one of the working ones, and in a reasonable state. It would be my precious! 😊

[@gilby2u]

Nice work on this video!!

[@joshuamory6828]

Probably one of the best opening lines for a KZbin video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@EnronnSierra]

I have a working iPhone 2g I bought off Ebay and downgraded using the same steps described in the video to iPhone OS 1.0. I need to go find it and boot it up, haven't played with it in a while. It was fund to was fun to watch. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors Luke. Does this mean you are expanding the channel or winding down?

[@dimitrischristou]

I really enjoyed this one! :D good luck with moving to la

[@rg8152]

Awww man I’m gonna miss that loft space, I remember the video of the process of getting it set up, and I admittedly used a lot of those notions when I was setting up my own apartment when I moved to my new place last year. We’re gonna miss you here in the Northeast!!

[@ampaa72]

✨👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I love your channel. Keep the great work and congrats on your mission

[@austintalkstech]

Can we just appreciate the time he puts in his videos?

[@jerbear7952]

First, don't worry about what we appreciate. Second he is a youtuber. That is what he does. You act like he's doing us a favor.

[@diegocastillo2386]

Girl @@jerbear7952 chill it's a local joke

[@austintalkstech]

@jerbear7952 😑

[@Diazepamo]

a friend had one of these back in the day, and I was blown away how fast the UI was.

[@Deadkandy]

Ah, old technology headaches is so much fun! :D

[@danieleppelsheimer9273]

Thank you so much Your channel is surely The Best ❤

[@ThePink6684]

Ya did a super job! I would love to add one of those to my collection!

[@watchcommander2012]

Great Video Luke and really shows actually how really good the original iPhone was. Is this a thing going on by tech KZbinrs to move to LA. I see Sam at AppleTrack has also just moved there?

[@Maboujaoude]

Fantastic content! The iPhone 2G is a classic. Would love to know how much 300 of them cost.

[@halforma1]

Hope the move goes great. Love the channel!

[@FoxyThePirate]

I am so happy for Luke, he deserves LA bro He has put so much work into making videos for Us no matter how tough the challenge may be he always manages to pull it off, absolutely love this channel and I always will 💙

[@jerbear7952]

He does it for us? Doesn't he do it as a business? Is he some non profit? Lol you act like he isn't a youtuber and that he just so desperately wants to entertain us with no prospect of gain. He's not your friend dude.

[@FoxyThePirate]

@@jerbear7952 OK did I ask for an opinion? No so I don't care lmao I will think what I think and you cannot change that So bite me. Negative Nancy-

[@jerrybomcool]

I have an iPhone 2G what has an issue being restored with iTunes and I’ve worked on it for years with no luck. I would love to have a working one to have in my collection. Amazing to see this many original iPhones popping up at once. Crazy to think about considering there isn’t that many for sale

[@griparian]

It was so satisfying watching you unboxing, sorting, charging and being surprised with the phones that were able to work....and 'The Samurai Phone' took me back to Asia, when I bought second hand phones there and found lots of pictures, messages and songs, still in the memory. It was also so refreshing seeing the phones booting up, that you thought were un-fixable. Having Jail-broken and worked on some Apple phones myself, It is so satisfying to get to the point where you have breathed life into something that seemed unfixaable and 'Dead'. I thought that a 'hot-plate' might be useful for you, as it slightly heats up the phone to the point where the glue becomes malleable....but you seem to be getting by without one. I loved watching your videos on Macbook Pros, as I have a few of them myself and have changed batteries, RAM and SSDs. Based on your advice, I just bid for and won an Auction for a Macbook Pro mid 2015 15" tonight. I'm looking forward to taking it to bits and cleaning it and replacing the thermal compound, so I don't have to worry about it running hot. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new home and thanks for your interesting shows. Cheers

[@paolochicco7200]

Nice video, incredible effort! Question: what was the total cost of the 300 phones lot and what could be the potential value?

[@derblaubaer]

good question!

[@TheOhamd]

More importantly, does the YT Ads revenue exceed spend? if not: Time wasting 🙂

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

Actually the 2g can be used as a mp3player so not bad

[@techcube7291]

I still have 2g in my country :) and it can be hacked and run android so not bad @@johnDingoFoxVelocity

[@reggiedixon2]

I was wondering if the cardboard boxes they came in were worth more than the phones.

[@davidgibson7234]

Epic undertaking Sir…

[@markmcgookin]

Ah old fashioned luke videos! Glad to see them back

[@quadradosuave]

gotta respect this guy

[@OverTheHorizon840]

I Cant believe you fixed 37 of 300 iPhone 2Gs. From testing iPhones to restoreing iPhone to working iPhones. I Wated 8 Months for the Phone lot video. Interesting Project😀😀

[@dennisud]

First crazy project on an iPhone that frankly wasn't as good as what came after. But hey, you got it done. And Congrats on the move and the new adventure. Good luck and keep your head down if you hear any pops! 😉