Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, launched globally on September 19, has experienced a 14% increase in sales over its predecessor in the first 10 days in the U.S. and China, leading to global shortages and delivery delays extending into November.
However, in Nigeria, where official Apple stores are absent, resellers in markets like Lagos’s Computer Village are offering abundant units of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, raising concerns about authenticity.
Investigations reveal that some vendors are selling refurbished iPhone XR models disguised as the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max.
These devices are cosmetically upgraded with new casings and modified software to mimic the appearance of the genuine model.
Prices range from ₦370,000 to ₦450,000, significantly lower than the authentic iPhone 17 Pro Max, which retails for over ₦1.8 million in Nigeria.
Influencers Blord and VeryDarkMan (VDM) have become central figures in this controversy.
Blord markets these refurbished devices as “upgraded iPhone 17 Pros,” claiming they are rebuilt in China with high-quality craftsmanship.
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He prices them between ₦400,000 and ₦450,000. VDM, on the other hand, alleges that similar refurbished phones can be sourced directly from China for about ₦280,000, accusing Blord of overpricing and misleading buyers.
The debate has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, with users expressing concerns over consumer rights and the ethics of selling refurbished devices as new.
Experts advise potential buyers to verify the authenticity of their devices by checking the IMEI number on Apple’s official website before making a purchase.
This situation highlights the challenges Nigerian consumers face in accessing authentic Apple products and the prevalence of counterfeit devices in the market.
Consumer protection agencies and tech enthusiasts are calling for stricter regulations and increased awareness to combat the sale of counterfeit electronics.
