The ongoing debate over the authenticity of the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Nigeria has taken a new turn after popular TikTok influencer GehGeh expressed deep regret over spending millions of naira on the device amid growing confusion about which versions are genuine.
In an emotional video posted on TikTok on Saturday, the influencer opened up about his disappointment, saying he felt deceived by the conflicting claims surrounding the phone’s originality.
“At this point in time, I don’t want to pretend again. I regret why I carry my millions go buy this phone. Every day I wake up, I cry, I weep deep inside me.”
GehGeh lamented that owners were now being forced to defend their purchases, as even experts could not clearly differentiate between the authentic iPhone 17 models and the rebranded older versions.
“Now, you know the pain of buying something, you go come dey explain bro na the original be this one, because nobody knows the difference between the original one and the fake one.”
He explained that his decision to purchase the phone was influenced by the prestige attached to it.
“The reason why I buy this phone is because as you see am for my hand, you go know say bro — na millions dey him hand,” he said, adding that the name alone carried a sense of pride.
The influencer went on to compare his new device with his older one, admitting that he preferred the feel of his previous iPhone 16.
“But at this point, my brother, I regret buying the 17 Pro Max. The phone, it’s not even comfortable for hand,” he said, raising his iPhone 16. “See how it’s flexible for my hand, even with pouch. But see the television that I carry for hand.”
The controversy surrounding the iPhone 17 began trending on October 13, 2025, after businessman and tech investor Blord (Linus Williams Ifejika) shared a video showcasing what he described as a “modified iPhone 17 Pro” priced between ₦400,000 and ₦450,000.
However, it was later discovered that the phone was a refurbished iPhone XR encased to resemble Apple’s latest flagship model, sparking outrage and confusion across social media.
GehGeh further voiced his frustration that even after spending millions of naira, there was still no solid evidence proving that his version was genuine.
“Because even this one, it’s not even enough evidence say okay, now the original one be this one,” he said. “I will carry millions of Naira go buy something. Now, I go dey explain to people, I go carry my money go buy material things.”
On X, users reacted widely to the situation. One user, #edkel250, wrote, “You go buy iPhone 17 Pro Max for Nigeria and you go begin explain say nor be fake. Dem use that 17 Pro Max tire person.”
Another, #TheManAfricano, stated, “Nigeria has to be the only country in the world selling these repackaged fake iPhone 17s. It really says a lot about us.”
The jokes continued on Instagram, where users made light of the situation. #bestdeal_appliances commented, “This iPhone 17xr come be like Labubu everyday price dey reduce,” while #chef_ivyjones1 teased, “Before next week, the phone go be 2,500.”
Another user, #diamondjearny, added, “If I don’t walk into the Apple Store, I don’t want to.”
Others took a more serious tone, describing the issue as a cautionary tale for Nigerians pursuing luxury trends. “People reject real prices because they want shortcuts,” one user wrote. “Then they complain online when the cheap version doesn’t match up.”
Apple officially launched the iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, unveiling the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Prices vary depending on the vendor. According to Apple, the official prices are: iPhone 17 (base model) — $799 (approximately ₦1,210,485), the iPhone 17 Air — $999, iPhone 17 Pro — $1,099 (around ₦1,664,385), and iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199 (around ₦1,815,285).
Despite the uproar on social media, Apple Inc. has not released any official statement regarding the alleged existence of fake or “modified” iPhone 17 models in Nigeria. For now, the debate continues — and many, like GehGeh, remain uncertain whether their million-naira devices are truly genuine.
