Nigeria’s phone market has been on fire lately not because of a new Apple launch, but because of a shocking discovery. Many Nigerians are realizing that the “iPhone 17 Pro Max” they proudly bought might actually be an old iPhone XR dressed up to look brand new.

The controversy started when tech entrepreneur Blord was accused by activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) of selling cosmetically upgraded iPhones basically old models refurbished to look like the latest versions. 

The heated argument between both men quickly went viral, but beyond the drama lies a serious issue: the growing trade in fake, upgraded iPhones flooding Nigeria’s market.

Here’s what’s really going on and why buyers should be careful.

It Looks Like a 17 Pro Max, But It’s Still an XR

One of the easiest ways to spot these fake upgrades is the casing. On the outside, the phone looks like an iPhone 17 Pro Max, shiny body, new camera design, and sleek edges. But when you try to use accessories like a case or screen protector, you’ll notice they don’t fit properly. 

That’s because the original frame underneath is from an iPhone XR, which has different dimensions.

So while it may look fancy, it doesn’t fit or function like the real deal. And when you drop it, don’t expect your case to protect it,  it probably won’t.

Security Risks You Can’t See

According to VDM, many of these “upgraded” phones come from unverified factories in China. There, older iPhones are stripped down, repainted, fitted with fake parts, and shipped off as newer models.

This is risky because such phones could contain tampered chips or hidden software that can steal your personal data from Apple ID details to banking information. Since these devices don’t go through Apple’s proper checks, you can never be sure what’s inside.

No Real iOS Updates

Even though your “new” iPhone looks modern, the system inside is still that of an older model. An upgraded iPhone XR can’t run the latest iOS designed for newer processors. This means no new features, no improved performance, and most importantly no vital security updates.

Over time, the phone becomes slow, buggy, and exposed to online threats.

Cheap Parts, Expensive Problems

Another big issue is the quality of the replacement parts. VDM’s footage showed how some workshops use cheap third-party components to make old phones look new.

For example, the battery health might read “100%,” but it’s just a software trick. 

In reality, the battery drains faster, overheats, or might even damage the logic board. Some phones also lose key features like Face ID or wireless charging after such modifications.

No Apple Support or Warranty

Once a phone is modified outside Apple’s system, it immediately loses any official support. Apple’s tools can detect fake components, and when they do, they won’t repair or service the device.

So, if something goes wrong and it likely will, you’re stuck with roadside repairers who might make it worse.

Pricing Drama and Deception

Blord has insisted that his upgraded iPhones, sold for around ₦400,000–₦450,000, are carefully rebuilt with “high-quality craftsmanship.” But VDM argued that these same phones can be bought directly from China for about ₦280,000, accusing Blord of overpricing and misleading customers.

While both sides have their points, the situation exposes a bigger truth, many Nigerians are unknowingly paying premium prices for refurbished old models.

The Bigger Problem: Misrepresentation

Selling an iPhone XR as an iPhone 17 Pro Max is not just a business trick, it’s deception. Some sellers even tamper with serial numbers and model details to make the phones appear genuine when checked superficially.

This creates a serious consumer protection issue. People spend their hard-earned money thinking they’re buying the latest iPhone, but what they get is an old phone in a new shell.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re planning to buy an iPhone in Nigeria, take these precautions seriously:

• Check the model number: Go to Settings → General → About. An iPhone XR will show something like A2105, not the newer A3090 codes.
• Verify on Apple’s website: Enter the phone’s serial number on Apple’s official page to confirm authenticity.
• Buy from trusted dealers: Always stick to authorised Apple resellers or well-known stores. Avoid random online vendors promising “brand new” iPhones at suspiciously low prices.