Apple(US:AAPL) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-09 00:13Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of the "Apple card pin" being falsely claimed as platinum and its subsequent market frenzy highlights the power of rumors and consumer psychology in driving demand for seemingly worthless items [1][3][15]. Group 1: Market Reaction - The original price of the Apple card pin was 60 yuan, but it has been resold on second-hand platforms for over 150 yuan, indicating a significant markup driven by speculation [1]. - Despite the official denial from Apple stating that the card pin is not made of platinum, the prices and sales volume on second-hand platforms have remained unchanged, showing a disconnect between reality and consumer belief [8][9]. - The release of the iPhone 17 series led to a 210% increase in inquiries for second-hand Apple phones, suggesting a broader trend of interest in second-hand electronics [10]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Many consumers are drawn to the idea of hidden value in products, particularly those associated with the Apple brand, which enhances their willingness to believe in the false claims about the card pin [11]. - The second-hand market capitalizes on this psychology, allowing rumors to flourish even when they lack factual basis, as consumers are often willing to gamble on the possibility of hidden value [14]. - The situation reflects a collective irrationality where consumers are driven more by emotion and speculation than by actual product value, leading to a "collective carnival" of belief in the absurd [15].