Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from Michael Liedtke at The Associated Press is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
President Trump’s family business announced a $500 gold-colored smartphone last June that was supposed to launch in late summer 2025, but the device remains unreleased, with shifting manufacturing claims and vague delivery timelines despite Trump Mobile continuing to accept $100 deposits.
Some key facts:
• Trump Mobile launched in June 2024, promising a gold T1 smartphone with a $500 price tag, significantly cheaper than Apple’s iPhones, priced between $800 and $1,200.
• The phone was originally targeted for an August or September 2025 release but has been repeatedly delayed.
• Initial claims that the T1 would be “proudly designed and built in the United States” shifted to “proudly American” and then to “American-proud design” with no further explanation.
• Analysts believe the manufacturing claim changes reflect recognition that U.S. supply chains cannot produce smartphones under $1,000.
• Trump Mobile continues accepting $100 deposits for the unreleased device while its website still lists the release date as “later this year.”
• A customer representative reportedly attributed the delay to a 43-day federal government shutdown and indicated a late January 2026 ship date.
• Trump Mobile currently sells wireless service for $47.45 monthly, a price tied to Donald Trump being the 47th and 45th president.
• The company is selling refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones ranging from $370 to $630, while the T1 remains unavailable.
READ MORE: Trump Mobile’s golden phone remains nowhere to be found
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