Nigeria’s social and digital media space has erupted in outrage and disbelief after revelations that an alleged “iPhone 17 Pro Max” making waves online is nothing more than a repackaged iPhone XR.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the controversy began when tech entrepreneur Blord showcased a device he claimed to have “transformed” from an iPhone XR into the much-hyped iPhone 17 Pro Max — with a ₦450,000 price tag (excluding delivery).
However, investigations and online sleuthing have since revealed that the so-called “upgrade” is essentially cosmetic. The device retains the internals of the older XR model, while its casing, screen, and battery are swapped out or modified to mimic the design of Apple’s latest flagship.
Critics have slammed the trend as a high-tech scam — or in their words, “an old engine in a new body.”
Popular social media crusader VeryDarkMan (VDM) waded into the controversy, alleging that the fake “iPhone 17 Pro Max” units originate from refurbishing factories in China. He posted a video purportedly showing where old iPhones are dismantled, refitted with new shells, and shipped to buyers — all to deceive consumers chasing status symbols.
VDM claimed these phones cost around ₦280,000 when shipped from China, while Blord’s price tag of ₦450,000 represents a markup of about ₦170,000.
The incident has sparked fierce online debate, exposing what many call Nigeria’s growing obsession with image and social validation.
An X (formerly Twitter) user, Real Chuno, called on Apple to intervene:
“Apple needs to start arresting those converting iPhone XR to iPhone 17 Pro Max and deceiving the public. That’s not hustle — that’s criminality.”
Another user, Brian David, expressed disbelief:
“Why would anyone buy an iPhone XR disguised as a 17 Pro Max? What’s the sense in that?”
On Facebook, Smith Olawale described the phenomenon as a product of “poverty mentality and lack of self-contentment.”
“People are buying fake iPhones just to prove a point. After flaunting it online, what next? It won’t give you long life,” he mocked.
Similarly, Instagram user Anita Brown condemned the act as “embarrassing and deceitful.”
“We’re struggling as a nation, yet people are pretending to use phones they can’t afford. Competing with fake gadgets is peak delusion,” she wrote.
As the debate rages, one question dominates Nigeria’s social media feeds: Are fake status symbols the new national obsession?