The multi-billion-dollar reputation of Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company, is currently facing an unprecedented integrity crisis in Nigeria. This was caused by a saga over the conversion of an older iPhone XR to the new iPhone 17 Pro Max.
It was between two Nigerian influencers: Blord, a popular gadget seller and entrepreneur with operational ties to China, and VeryDarkMan (VDM), a Nigerian social media activist and influencer known for challenging consumer deception.
The controversy ignited when Blord publicly showcased devices he sold that were aesthetically identical to the latest iPhone 17.
In response, VDM countered with viral video evidence, allegedly tracing the origin of these units to unverified workshops in China where old iPhones are stripped, cosmetically upgraded with new casings, and resealed to look brand new.
Blord responded to this, saying he was selling the “iPhone XR converted to iPhone 17 Pro Max” for ₦450,000, while VDM said it costs much less, ₦280,000.
Read also: How much will the new iPhone 17 cost in Nigeria?
iPhone 17 vs XR cloning: What is at stake?
This saga has led to widespread debate, reflecting Nigeria’s culture of social status and authenticity. Some social media commenters condemned it as outright fraud and criminality.
The iPhone 17 and XR are two distinct smartphones with varying features. The iPhone 17, released on September 9, 2025, boasts a 6.30-inch display, Apple A19 processor, 8GB RAM, and a dual-camera setup with 48MP + 48MP resolution.
In contrast, the iPhone XR, launched on September 12, 2018, features a 6.10-inch display, an Apple A12 Bionic processor, 3GB RAM, and a single 12MP rear camera 12.
The iPhone 17 offers significant upgrades, including a faster CPU speed, more RAM, and enhanced camera capabilities. Additionally, the 17 supports iOS 26, while the XR runs on iOS 122.
When considering a purchase, these differences are essential to weigh, especially given the substantial price difference, with the 17 starting at $1,099 and the XR available for $749, according to Apple.
A significant portion of the conversation attributed the demand for such devices to a societal obsession with status and “packaging” (outward appearance) over functionality or authenticity. On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users called for Apple to take legal action against the vendors. Insert pictures..
Possible impact of this saga on Apple’s brand and sales
While Apple does not have an official retail store in Nigeria, the saga primarily affects the perception and integrity of its products in the Nigerian phone market.
Apple’s entire business model is built on delivering a superior, premium experience.
When a buyer pays millions for a supposed iPhone 17 Pro Max, expect lightning-fast performance, the newest camera features, and all-day battery life. What they receive is a phone running an A12 Bionic chip (the core of the 2018 XR) with an outdated screen, poor battery performance, and missing core features of the latest iOS.
Crucially, the user often doesn’t realise they have a fake. Instead, they attribute the slow performance, crashes, and poor battery drain to Apple’s poor quality control.
Beyond performance, the clones introduce severe financial and security risks that undermine the iPhone’s reputation as the most secure mobile device.
The cloned devices cannot reliably receive the latest iOS updates because the modified hardware casing and third-party parts conflict with Apple’s official software. This leaves users stranded on older, unpatched iOS versions, exposed to malware, hacking, and major security flaws.
In a market where mobile banking and digital transactions are booming, making the “iPhone” a security risk is a catastrophe for brand trust.
One of the key financial selling points of a genuine iPhone is its high resale value. An iPhone holds its value better than almost any other smartphone, making it a sound investment.
Sadly, a buyer of a fake XR-to-17 clone is left with a worthless product that cannot be repaired by an authorised service provider, cannot be traded in, and cannot even be verified by Apple. The consumer learns the painful lesson that their investment was zero, linking high risk and fraud directly with the Apple name
This perception is shared through word-of-mouth and social media, directly polluting the brand narrative and making it harder for genuine devices to gain credibility. This psychological damage is the most dangerous long-term threat to the brand’s image.
For the Nigerian consumer, the saga deepens the distrust in local third-party vendors who handle the bulk of Apple sales. This ultimately hurts the overall purchasing experience and could push some potential buyers towards authorised retailers, thus impacting future sales growth in the high-end market segment.
Consequently, the existence of a convincing, low-cost clone distorts Apple’s market. It complicates the resale and swap market, which is a major part of how Nigerians upgrade their phones and makes it harder for consumers to verify the authenticity of any iPhone, including used or refurbished genuine devices.
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