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Key Points

• Research suggests the “iPhonee 13S” is likely a counterfeit phone, as there is no official Apple model by that name, and the misspelling “iPhonee” indicates potential deception.
• It seems likely that this fake phone is emulating the genuine iPhone 13 series, particularly the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, released in 2021, given the naming convention.
• Reports indicate counterfeit phones, including potentially the “iPhonee 13S,” are flooding the Kenyan market, with estimates suggesting up to 40% may be 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 It’s Fake

The “iPhonee 13S” is likely a counterfeit because Apple has not released a model called “iPhone 13S.” As of July 2025, the latest iPhone models are the iPhone 16 series, with no “S” variants for the iPhone 13 series, which was launched in 2021. The extra ‘e’ in “iPhonee” is a common tactic used by counterfeiters to mimic the legitimate brand, suggesting this is a fake designed to deceive consumers.

The Original Phone It Emulates

Research suggests the fake “iPhonee 13S” is probably emulating the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, part of the iPhone 13 series released in September 2021. These models feature advanced technology like the A15 Bionic chip and high-quality cameras, making them popular targets for counterfeits. The “13S” name might suggest an updated version, though no such model exists officially.

How to Avoid Buying Fake Phones

To protect yourself, buy from authorized Apple resellers in Kenya, such as iStore KE, Mac & More Solutions, or FoneXpress. Verify the phone’s IMEI by dialing *#06# and checking on Apple’s website, inspect the packaging for official branding, and ensure it runs genuine iOS with App Store access. Be cautious of prices significantly lower than official rates, typically above KES 70,000 for iPhone 13 models.

Where to Buy the Original Version

You can purchase genuine iPhones at authorized stores, including:

• iStore KE
• Mac & More Solutions
• FoneXpress
• Apple Center Ke
• Salute iWorld
• Elite Digital Solutions

Comprehensive Analysis: The iPhonee 13S and Counterfeit Phones in Kenya

This detailed report explores the issue of the “iPhonee 13S,” 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 08:02 PM EAT on Sunday, July 20, 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 “iPhonee 13S” has emerged as a concerning example, with reports suggesting it is currently flooding the market. Recent social media posts, such as an X post 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 “iPhonee 13S,” 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 iPhonee 13S is Considered Fake

Extensive searches through Apple’s official website ([Apple (KE)]([invalid url, do not cite])) and tech databases like GSMArena reveal no listing for an “iPhonee 13S” 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 iPhone 13 series, released in September 2021, includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, with no “S” variant. The misspelling “iPhonee” with two ‘e’s is a common indicator of counterfeiting, likely designed to mimic the legitimate “iPhone” brand while avoiding direct trademark issues. Articles like Mwakilishi.com (October 5, 2023) and The Standard (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 “iPhonee 13S” is a counterfeit.

Further research into Apple’s naming conventions shows they typically use “S” for incremental updates (e.g., iPhone 6S, iPhone XS), but after iPhone X, they moved to numerical increments without “S” models for generations like 12, 13, 14, etc. This reinforces that there is no official iPhone 13S, making “iPhonee 13S” a clear counterfeit.

Potential Original Models and Emulation

Given the non-existence of the “iPhonee 13S,” it is hypothesized that counterfeiters are attempting to emulate the genuine iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, part of the iPhone 13 series launched in September 2021. These models are popular in Kenya for their advanced features, making them prime targets for counterfeiting. Specifications for the iPhone 13, based on GSMArena and Apple’s official site, include:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion on Pro models)
• Chipset: A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
• RAM: 4GB (iPhone 13), 6GB (iPhone 13 Pro)
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB options
• Cameras: 12MP dual (iPhone 13), 12MP triple (iPhone 13 Pro), 12MP TrueDepth front
• Battery: Up to 19 hours video playback, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W
• Other features: Ceramic Shield, 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 “13S” designation might suggest an updated or special version, though no such model exists officially as of July 2025.

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. Recent posts from April and June 2025 on platforms like Instagram and Facebook emphasize the danger of fake phones, compromising safety and data security. Given Apple’s popularity in Kenya, with models like the iPhone 13 being widely available, it is plausible that counterfeit versions, such as the “iPhonee 13S,” are flooding the market.

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.
• FoneXpress, an Apple authorized reseller selling a wide range of genuine Apple products, including iPhones, with Apple warranty.
• Apple Center Ke, a one-stop shop for Apple products with expert repair services, located in Nairobi with delivery across East Africa.
• Salute iWorld, an authorized reseller in Nairobi, Kenya, offering Apple products at competitive prices.
• Elite Digital Solutions, an Apple Premium Reseller in Kenya, providing authentic Apple products and expert support. 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 FoneXpress https://fonexpress.net/product-category/all-products/apple/ Apple authorized, genuine products with warranty Apple Center Ke https://applecenter.co.ke/ Expert repair services, delivery across East Africa Salute iWorld https://saluteiworld.com/ Authorized reseller, competitive prices Elite Digital Solutions https://www.elitedigital.co.ke/home Apple Premium Reseller, expert support

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]([invalid url, do not cite]). The serial number can also be verified similarly, ensuring the model, warranty period, and support status match, as detailed in Afritech Media (November 6, 2020).
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 The Standard (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 The Standard (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 The Standard (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 models in Kenya are typically priced above KES 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 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 in Kenya, based on recent listings, starts at around KES 70,000 for refurbished units, with new units potentially higher, as seen on Phone Place Kenya and Mobile Hub.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The “iPhonee 13S” represents a significant counterfeit issue in Kenya, likely emulating the genuine iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, popular high-end smartphones from 2021. The prevalence of fake phones, as highlighted by recent 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 08:02 PM EAT on July 20, 2025, to provide a comprehensive guide for consumers. Always remember to verify the authenticity of your device before making a purchase to protect yourself from potential scams and support the legitimate market.

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