- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
iPhone Real or Fake: iPhones are one of the most popular and sought-after smartphones worldwide, it not only offers cutting-edge technology with next-gen features but also hold a symbolic value for some people. In Q3 of 2024, Apple was able to post revenue of approximately $39 billion, which came just from iPhone sales only, this shows how popular the product really is. However, not all is good news, such a high demand has resulted in a surge of counterfeit iPhones that are ridiculously similar to the original product, and mimic it almost in every way perfectly.
While we are making a purchase we must ensure that the retailer is a trusted source like Apple Stores to ensure complete authenticity. Purchasing or Handing over your iPhone to an unauthorized source/ repair shop could result in counterfeit replacements or device swapping, where your original one can be swapped for a fake one. So how to make sure you have bought the right product for yourself? Here we have a detailed guide on how you can protect yourself from being scammed.
How to Check if Your iPhone is the Real Deal?
Now Apple is a company that leaves no loose ends and compromises nothing when it comes to product manufacturing and sales. So the very first thing to look out for is the packaging, and if you feel the packaging is a bit off or feels old, then that is something you should immediately flag off!
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Next, you need to check the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This number is a unique serial identity that is found in every smartphone. All you need to do to find it out is dial *#06# on your iPhone. After this is done you need to cross-check the number written on the box and make sure it corresponds to it. If it matches then good you have a new iPhone, if not then it is a problem.
Next come the accessories, now if Apple is giving something in the box, it will surely align itself with the company standards, as I said before Apple leaves no loose ends, and if the accessories feel like they have a poor build quality or are missing the "Designed by Apple" label, it is a scam.
Is your Apple iPhone feeling a bit too light, like a feather? Then this is something you should be worried about. Apple is exclusively known for its premium quality and sturdy air-tight build, and a brand-new iPhone should feel the same, to say the least. Buttons should be tactile and work smoothly with their user interface.
Another way to verify the authenticity of your iPhone is by checking the software. Simply go to ‘Settings,’ then tap on ‘General,’ and you’ll find the ‘Software’ option. Click on it, and you’ll see the version of iOS installed on your device.
Also, you can try using Siri. If you say "Hey Siri" and don’t get a response, there’s a chance your iPhone 16 could be a counterfeit.
Why is it important that you buy the right product?
Well, there is the obvious financial loss that no one wants to incur but it goes beyond just that. A counterfeit product can put your privacy and personal security in jeopardy. Additionally the devices stop responding and functioning properly or receive critical software updates, which will ruin your personal experience. So keep an eye out to protect yourself from being scammed.
