The latest tech trend captivating South Korea isn’t about the newest gadgets, but a nostalgic embrace of older technology, particularly Apple’s vintage iPhones and discontinued digital cameras. This resurgence, dubbed “youngtro,” a blend of “young” and “retro,” is gaining traction among Millennials and Gen Z, fueled by celebrities showcasing these older devices on social media.
The Allure of Retro Photography
Why are younger generations choosing older iPhones like the original SE over the advanced camera systems of the iPhone 16 series? For some, the appeal lies in the classic design of the Steve Jobs era. Others appreciate the distinct color palettes produced by these older cameras, finding them more unique than images from modern smartphones. This preference for a certain aesthetic goes beyond simple “vintage” appeal. The photos themselves possess a different character.
K-pop stars using old iPhone cameras and old digital cameras.
Interestingly, many youngtro enthusiasts carry both a modern smartphone and an older iPhone or digital camera, specifically for taking photos. This contrasts with using retro-style filters, a feature that initially propelled Instagram’s popularity. The youngtro trend isn’t confined to cameras either; wired headphones have also experienced a revival, again driven by social media influence from Korean stars. This same demographic has also contributed to the continued growth of the instant camera market, proving that nostalgia can have a powerful impact on consumer behavior.
The Impact of Youngtro on the Tech Market
The rising demand for these retro devices has had a tangible effect on their market value. Used digital camera prices have reportedly tripled in recent years, and older iPhone models like the iPhone 6S are increasingly being resold for profit. This nostalgia-driven trend isn’t entirely new, echoing the resurgence of vinyl records and retro gaming consoles. However, it’s remarkable to see relatively recent smartphones like the iPhone SE now considered part of this retro revival. With Apple’s upcoming release of a new iPhone SE featuring a 48MP camera, the 2022 model with its 12MP camera could soon become a sought-after collector’s item, particularly in South Korea.
Beyond Nostalgia: A New Appreciation for the Past
The youngtro trend highlights more than just a fleeting fascination with the past. It represents a deliberate choice for a different aesthetic, a unique visual style that sets it apart from the uniformity of modern smartphone photography. This trend transcends simply replicating a vintage look through filters; it embraces the original hardware and its distinct photographic capabilities. While fuelled by social media influence, the youngtro movement ultimately reflects a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities of older technology.
Embracing the Old in a Digital World
The youngtro trend in South Korea signifies a shift in how younger generations interact with technology. It’s a conscious move away from the relentless pursuit of the newest devices, and instead, a celebration of the distinct characteristics of older technology. This movement shows that sometimes, the best technology isn’t always the newest, but the one that best captures the desired aesthetic and experience.
