The United States has sealed a massive time capsule to mark its 250th anniversary, and among the dozens of artifacts chosen to represent modern America is one item almost everyone today would recognize: an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The stainless steel capsule, weighing roughly 900 pounds (about 400kg), was buried in Philadelphia as part of the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations. It is scheduled to remain sealed for the next 250 years, with plans to open it in 2276 during America’s 500th anniversary celebrations.
While the capsule contains historic relics, cultural artifacts, and state contributions, the inclusion of Apple’s latest flagship smartphone reflects how central mobile technology has become to everyday life.
A snapshot of America in 2026 – technology included
Unlike traditional time capsules that focus largely on historical memorabilia, this project aims to preserve a broad picture of contemporary American society. Organized by America250, the collection features contributions from all 50 states, five US territories, and several cultural and sporting organizations.
Among its most talked-about contents is a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to organizers, the device contains digital artifacts stored in the Notes app, offering future generations a glimpse into everyday life in 2026 – assuming the hardware remains functional after two and a half centuries.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Unsplash
That remains a significant question. Modern lithium-ion batteries typically degrade after years rather than centuries, making it highly unlikely the phone will power on in 2276 without restoration. Even so, the device serves as a symbolic representation of the smartphone era, much like typewriters or rotary telephones represent earlier generations today.
The capsule also contains an AI-generated response from Anthropic’s Claude, submitted by California, imagining what the state could look like 250 years into the future. Other artifacts include a feather from “Old Abe,” the Civil War bald eagle mascot contributed by Wisconsin, a fragment of fabric from the Wright brothers’ 1903 aircraft submitted by Ohio, a bone from the endangered North Atlantic right whale donated by Maine, an Arkansas diamond, a traditional New Mexico cookie recipe, and a commemorative pin celebrating the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship.
Interestingly, not every proposed artifact made the final cut
Engineers rejected an American football after determining it would likely deteriorate before the capsule is opened.
Designing something to survive 250 years underground required considerable engineering. After evaluating multiple shapes, engineers selected a stainless steel cylinder to minimize seams where moisture could enter. The capsule sits inside a protective metal bell that creates an insulating air pocket, while a layer of indium provides an additional airtight seal. Important documents have also been stored in a separate sealed compartment for extra protection.
Samuel Angor / Unsplash
The Philadelphia capsule is one of two major time capsules created for America’s 250th anniversary. A second capsule, unveiled in Washington, is intended for the nation’s 500th anniversary, although its contents have largely remained confidential.
For most people alive today, the iPhone may be the headline-grabbing artifact. But 250 years from now, it may simply be another historical curiosity – offering future Americans a reminder of how people communicated, documented their lives, and viewed technology during the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
