The ongoing controversy over the authenticity of the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Nigeria has taken a dramatic twist, after popular TikTok content creator GehGeh voiced deep regret over spending millions of naira on the device amid mounting confusion about which versions are genuine.
In a heartfelt video posted on TikTok on Saturday, the influencer opened up about his disappointment, saying he felt deceived by the conflicting narratives 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 justify their purchases, as even experts could not clearly tell which iPhone 17s were authentic and which were rebranded older models.
“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 buy the phone had been driven by its perceived prestige.
“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 weight.
The influencer then compared his new purchase with his older device, admitting he preferred the comfort 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, lifting his older iPhone 16. “See how it’s flexible for my hand, even with pouch. But see the television that I carry forhand.”
The iPhone 17 debate began trending on October 13, 2025, after businessman and tech investor Blord (Linus Williams Ifejika) shared a video unboxing what he described as a “modified iPhone 17 Pro” priced between ?400,000 and ?450,000.
The device, however, was later revealed to be a refurbished iPhone XR encased to look like Apple’s latest flagship, sparking confusion and outrage across social media.
Geh Geh went on to express his frustration that even after spending millions, there was still no concrete proof that his version was authentic.
“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.”
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