A controversy is raging in the Nigerian social media space over the authenticity of the newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max, with influencers promoting a scheme to repackage old iPhone XR models as the latest Pro devices.
The dispute began when entrepreneur Linus ‘Blord’ Williams advertised a service to “upgrade” an iPhone XR into an iPhone 17.
In a since-deleted video, Blord claimed that while an authentic iPhone 17 costs over N4 million, a converted version could be purchased for about N450,000.
Social media commentator VeryDarkMan, however, claimed he had a Chinese contact offering the same service for just N280,000.
The scheme has alarmed many social media users, who fear it will be used to scam unsuspecting buyers.
Given the similar physical size — the iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch screen while the iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch screen — many users worry that the “fake” devices are nearly indistinguishable from the outside, making it easy to sell them as genuine.
The conversation has ignited a broader debate about values and consumer culture.
Content creator Oyemyke also lamented the “desire to live a fake life,” while medical doctor Olawale Ogunlana called it a “misplacement of priority” for people to upgrade “to impress and oppress”.
The controversy even spawned a viral authenticity test. In response, actress Nkechi Blessing posted a video submerging her phone in water to prove it was a genuine, water-resistant iPhone 17.
VeryDarkMan, however, countered by claiming the converted iPhone XR models are also water-resistant, further muddying the waters.
The development has continued to spark disputes on social media platforms.
“Imagine going to the market or ordering an iPhone 17 Pro max, only to discover that it’s a repackaged iPhone XR that you got. This scam will soon start again very soon. This post may not go viral now, but wait until that time comes,” he wrote
See more comments below:
My own iPhone 17 is ₦50K only, bend down select 17 PRO Max,
Just wax your pororo, come to my office then bend down and select your choice of iPhone 17.
AdvertisementBlord and VDM are very wicked men, how can they be selling iPhone 17 PRO for 400K+? mine is ₦50K!
Sermons over! pic.twitter.com/CfCJQ1BIwh
— DaddyKayNation (@DaddyKayNation1) October 15, 2025
Duracell powered iPhone 17. Bring small money and collect it. We have very few left. pic.twitter.com/ssxOFO2sA1
Advertisement— Hubert (@ibifur0) October 15, 2025
So If you buy IPhone 17pro max now , you go need to the explain to people say na Original pic.twitter.com/pwvGZAUzHo
— A King 👑 (@JossieKing_) October 16, 2025
I can’t see this phone the same was again ever since I watched that B Lord’s video promoting iPhone XR cloned to 17 pro max 💔 pic.twitter.com/eznjUUCsjT
— HajiQudus 🧡🌟 (@niffwizzy) October 13, 2025
“Why do you need to buy an iPhone XR that looks like iPhone 17” – Oyemyke comes for VeryDarkMan and BLord pic.twitter.com/JGVDQNyqCi
— EasYOfLagos ✨️ (@easydigita) October 14, 2025
Some Nigerians have nothing else important to them than to upgrade their iPhone XR to iPhone 17 so they can impress and oppress their friends offline and online.
These are people with misplaced priorities.
We need to transcend this mentality if we to move forward as a nation.
— Dr. Olawale Ogunlana (@olawalesmd) October 15, 2025
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle