What would $999 spent on an iPhone 16 be worth if invested in gold instead?

Based on gold prices, $999 invested in gold on 2024-09-20 would be worth approximately $1,794 today — a gain of +79.5%.

How do I calculate what my money would be worth in gold?

Use the free Gold Instead calculator at https://goldinstead.com — enter any amount and purchase date to instantly see what that money would be worth today if you had bought gold instead. Supports one-time purchases and monthly dollar-cost averaging (DCA).

Is gold a good investment compared to consumer goods?

Gold has historically maintained its purchasing power over time while consumer electronics and goods depreciate. Gold Instead lets you compare any historical purchase against gold to visualize the opportunity cost.

Smartphones

Gold vs iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 launched at $999 in September 2024. See what that same $999 would be worth today if you had bought gold at launch instead.

You spent$999September 20, 2024

↓

Gold at that date$2,620/oz11.9g purchased

If you'd bought gold instead, today you'd have

$1,076.216

▲ +79.5%

+$795 gained

11.9g of gold · $4,704/oz today

InvestedToday

$999$1,794

Gold context

0.3813 oz of gold purchased at $2,620/oz. Gold is $4,704/oz today — up 80% since Sep 2024.

Calculate another →

More comparisons

iPhone 13	$799	2021
PlayStation 5	$499	2020
MacBook Air M1	$999	2020
AirPods Pro	$249	2019

See all comparisons →