Key Points

• Research suggests the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” is likely a counterfeit phone, as it is not listed on official Apple channels and the misspelling “Applee” indicates potential deception.
• It seems likely that this fake phone is emulating the genuine Apple iPhone 13 Pro, a high-end model released in September 2021, popular in the Kenyan market.
• Reports indicate counterfeit phones, including potentially the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro,” are flooding the Kenyan market, with estimates suggesting 30% to 40% of mobile phones in Kenya are fake.
• Consumers can avoid fake phones by buying from authorized dealers, verifying authenticity via IMEI and serial number checks, and inspecting packaging for quality.

Why the Applee iPhone 13 Pro is Fake

The “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” does not appear on Apple’s official website or in reputable tech databases, suggesting it is not a genuine product. The extra ‘e’ in “Applee” is a common tactic used by counterfeiters to mimic legitimate brands while avoiding direct trademark infringement. As of July 17, 2025, Apple’s latest models are the iPhone 16 series, with the iPhone 17 expected in September 2025, making any “iPhone 18 Pro” clearly fake, and similarly, the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” is likely a counterfeit version of an older model.

The Original Phone It Emulates

The evidence leans toward the fake “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” emulating the genuine Apple iPhone 13 Pro, released in September 2021. This model features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, A15 Bionic chip, and a triple 12MP camera system with LiDAR scanner, available in various storage options. Fake versions often mimic the exterior but have inferior hardware and software, failing to deliver the performance of genuine Apple products.

How to Avoid Buying Fake Phones

To ensure you purchase a genuine iPhone, consider these steps:

• Buy from Authorized Dealers: Purchase from official stores like iStore KE, Mac & More Solutions, Salute iWorld, iPhone Store Kenya, Apple Center Ke, and FoneXpress.
• Verify Authenticity: Check the IMEI by dialing *#06# or via Settings > General > About, then verify on Apple’s website using the check coverage tool. Also, verify the serial number in Settings > General > About.
• Inspect Packaging and Device: Look for high-quality packaging with official branding, and check for signs of wear like scratches or dents, which may indicate a fake. Ensure it runs genuine iOS with App Store access.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the Applee iPhone 13 Pro and Counterfeit Phones in Kenya

This detailed report explores the issue of the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro,” identified as a counterfeit phone reportedly flooding the Kenyan market, and provides a thorough examination of its origins, potential emulations, and strategies for consumers to avoid purchasing fake devices. It also includes information on authorized purchasing locations in Kenya, supported by extensive research conducted as of July 17, 2025.

Background and Context

The Kenyan smartphone market has seen a significant rise in counterfeit devices in recent years, with fake iPhones being particularly prevalent. The “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” has emerged as a concerning example, with reports suggesting it is currently flooding the market. Recent social media posts, such as one from @AfricanHub_ on July 14, 2025, mentioning a man of Arab descent caught selling fake phones in Kenya, and another from @TheNairobiTimez on June 26, 2025, about Gen Z cornering a seller of fake Samsung phones, highlight the ongoing issue. While these posts do not specifically mention the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro,” they indicate a broader problem of counterfeit phones in Kenya, with an estimated 30% to 40% of mobile phones being fake, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) in February 2024, translating to 18.87 million to 25.16 million fake devices out of 64.67 million total devices by September 2023.

Why the Applee iPhone 13 Pro is Considered Fake

Extensive searches through Apple’s official website (Apple (KE)) and tech databases like GSMArena reveal no listing for an “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” model. This absence is significant, as Apple’s current lineup in July 2025 includes the iPhone 16 series (released in September 2024), with the iPhone 17 expected in September 2025, and no mention of an iPhone 18 series. The misspelling “Applee” is a common indicator of counterfeiting, likely designed to mimic the legitimate “Apple” brand while avoiding direct trademark issues. Articles like Mwakilishi.com (October 5, 2023) and Standard Media (April 1, 2024) warn about fake iPhones in Kenya, with reports of people buying boxed iPhones that turn out to be refurbished, pre-owned, or with replaced components, supporting the likelihood that “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” is a counterfeit.

Potential Original Models and Emulation

Given the non-existence of the “Applee iPhone 13 Pro,” it is hypothesized that counterfeiters are attempting to emulate the genuine Apple iPhone 13 Pro, part of the iPhone 13 series launched in September 2021. The iPhone 13 Pro is a high-end device, popular in Kenya for its advanced features, making it a prime target for counterfeiting. Specifications, based on Apple’s official site and GSMArena, include:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, Always-On, and 120Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB options
• Cameras: 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Telephoto, and 12MP TrueDepth front camera
• Battery: Up to 22 hours video playback, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W
• Other features: Ceramic Shield front cover, IP68 dust and water resistance, iOS 15 (upgradable to iOS 18)

The fake version likely uses a similar name and branding to confuse consumers, leveraging the popularity of the real model. The “13 Pro” designation matches, suggesting counterfeiters are trying to pass off their fake devices as this legitimate model, possibly with inferior hardware and modified operating systems, as evidenced by a Reddit post from February 28, 2023, where a user reported a fake iPhone 14 Pro Max running an old Android version with backdoors.

The Issue in Kenya: Prevalence and Risks

The Kenyan market has a long history of counterfeit phone issues, as evidenced by a BBC News article from October 5, 2012, reporting the switch-off of 1.5 million counterfeit handsets, and a 2020 Business Daily report estimating 10.5 million fake phones in circulation. A 2019 report by the Anti-Counterfeit Agency noted phones account for 51.8% of all counterfeited commodities, and recent news, such as a March 7, 2025, report from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, discusses the launch of the Bleep App to help identify fake products. New regulations effective January 1, 2025, requiring IMEI declarations for imported devices, further highlight the issue. The risks of buying fake phones include subpar performance, security vulnerabilities (e.g., pre-installed malware), lack of warranty, and safety hazards like battery malfunctions, as noted in various articles and social media posts.

Strategies to Avoid Purchasing Fake Phones

To protect consumers, several strategies can be employed to ensure the purchase of genuine Apple devices:

1. Purchasing from Authorized Dealers: The most reliable method is to buy from official Apple stores or authorized resellers. In Kenya, authorized dealers include:

• iStore KE, an Apple Authorized Reseller with a location at Unit 2, Bazaar Plaza, Mezzanine 1 Biashara St, Nairobi, open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, closed Sunday, rated 4.6 from 105 ratings.
• Mac & More Solutions, an Apple Authorized Reseller and Service Provider with branches in Nairobi, Kitale, and Kisumu, offering free delivery in Kenya and select East African countries, with up to 24-month limited warranty.
• Salute iWorld, an authorized reseller in Nairobi, Kenya, offering Apple products at competitive prices.
• iPhone Store Kenya, where quality meets innovation, ensuring authentic products and exceptional service.
• Apple Center Ke, a one-stop shop for Apple products with expert repair services, located in Nairobi with delivery across East Africa.
• FoneXpress, an Apple authorized reseller selling a wide range of genuine Apple products, including iPhones, with Apple warranty. Below is a table summarizing key authorized online stores in Kenya: Store Name Website URL Notes iStore KE https://istore.ke/ Apple Authorized Reseller, Nairobi location, rated 4.6 Mac & More Solutions https://mac-more.co.ke/ Apple Authorized Reseller, branches in Nairobi, Kitale, Kisumu, free delivery Salute iWorld https://saluteiworld.com/ Authorized reseller, competitive prices iPhone Store Kenya https://iphonestore.co.ke/ Ensures authentic products, exceptional service Apple Center Ke https://applecenter.co.ke/ Expert repair services, delivery across East Africa FoneXpress https://fonexpress.net/product-category/all-products/apple/ Apple authorized, genuine products with warranty

1. Verifying Device Authenticity: Apple provides official methods to check authenticity, such as entering the IMEI and serial number on their support page. The IMEI can be retrieved by dialing *#06# or checking Settings > General > About, and verified using the check coverage tool, as detailed in Afritech Media (November 6, 2020). The serial number can also be verified similarly, ensuring the model, warranty period, and support status match.
2. Inspecting Packaging and Device: Genuine iPhones come with high-quality packaging, sealed boxes, and official Apple branding, including authentic accessories. Counterfeit boxes often have misspellings, smaller sizes, or disorganized printing. Check for official logos, warranty information, and build quality, as fake devices may have inferior materials, as noted in Standard Media (April 1, 2024). Inspect for signs of wear like scratches or dents, which may indicate a fake, and ensure the phone feels heavy and well-constructed.
3. Check the Software: Ensure the phone runs the latest version of iOS and has access to the App Store. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates; an older version may indicate a refurbished or pre-owned device. Try downloading an app from the App Store; inability to do so may indicate a fake, as mentioned in Standard Media (April 1, 2024). Fake iPhones may run modified operating systems (e.g., skinned Android), lacking official app support, as reported in a Reddit post from February 28, 2023.
4. Use Third-Party Verification Apps: Apps like iUnlocker Check can help verify the IMEI, serial number, and other phone information, providing an additional layer of security, as suggested in Standard Media (April 1, 2024).
5. Be Cautious of Low Prices: If the price seems significantly lower than official prices, it’s likely a fake. For example, genuine iPhone 13 Pro models in Kenya are typically priced above Ksh 70,000 for refurbished units, as seen on Phone Place Kenya and Phones Store Kenya, with new units potentially higher. Articles like Mwakilishi.com (October 5, 2023) warn that unbelievably low prices are a red flag for counterfeit iPhones.

Authorized Purchase Locations and Pricing Insights

Below is a table summarizing key authorized Apple stores in Kenya, based on available data:

Consumers are encouraged to contact these stores directly for availability of specific models like the iPhone 13 Pro and to ensure they are purchasing from authorized sellers. For additional options, Apple’s official website provides information on global authorized dealers, which can be filtered for Kenya. Pricing for the iPhone 13 Pro in Kenya, based on recent listings, starts at around Ksh 70,000 for refurbished units, with prices varying by storage and condition, as seen on Phone Place Kenya, Mobile Hub, and Phones Store Kenya.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The “Applee iPhone 13 Pro” represents a significant counterfeit issue in Kenya, likely emulating the genuine Apple iPhone 13 Pro, a popular high-end smartphone from 2021. The prevalence of fake phones, as highlighted by recent social media posts, news reports, and regulatory efforts, underscores the need for vigilance. By purchasing from authorized dealers, verifying authenticity through official channels, and inspecting packaging and software, consumers can protect themselves from scams. Authorized stores in Kenya, such as iStore KE and Mac & More Solutions, offer safe purchasing options, ensuring access to genuine Apple technology. This analysis is based on extensive research into Apple’s official listings, tech databases, and market trends in Kenya, conducted as of July 17, 2025, to provide a comprehensive guide for consumers.

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