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Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the Applee iPhone 7 Plus and Counterfeit Phones in Kenya

Key Points

• Research suggests the “Applee iPhone 7 Plus” 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 7 Plus, released in 2016, popular in Kenya for its features and reliability.
• Reports indicate counterfeit phones, including potentially the “Applee iPhone 7 Plus,” 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 a Fake Phone

The “Applee iPhone 7 Plus” is likely not a genuine Apple product, as the brand name “Applee” with an extra ‘e’ is a common sign of counterfeiting, used to mimic the legitimate “Apple” brand while avoiding trademark issues. Official Apple listings and tech databases show no record of an “Applee iPhone 7 Plus,” confirming it’s a fake.

The Original Phone It Emulates

The evidence leans toward the fake emulating the genuine Apple iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016. This model features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display, A10 Fusion chip, dual 12MP cameras, and up to 256GB storage, known for its reliability and performance, making it a target for counterfeiters in Kenya.

How to Avoid Buying Fake Phones

To ensure you get a real iPhone, consider these tips:

• Buy from Authorized Dealers: Purchase from trusted stores like iStore KE, Mac & More Solutions, or FoneXpress to guarantee authenticity.
• Verify IMEI and Serial Number: Check the IMEI by dialing *#06# or in Settings > General > About, and verify on Apple’s website using the check coverage tool.
• Inspect Packaging and Device: Look for high-quality packaging with correct branding and check for signs of wear like scratches, which may indicate a fake.
• Check Software: Ensure it runs the latest iOS and can access the App Store; fakes may run modified systems.
• Be Wary of Low Prices: If the price is much lower than official rates (typically above KES 40,000 for used iPhone 7 Plus), it’s likely a counterfeit.

Where to Buy the Original Version

You can buy genuine iPhone 7 Plus, often refurbished, at these authorized resellers in Kenya:

• iStore KE: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Unit 2, Bazaar Plaza, Mezzanine 1 Biashara St, Nairobi, open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sat, closed Sun, rated 4.6 from 105 ratings.
• Mac & More Solutions: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Bandari plaza, Nairobi, open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sun, rated 4.8 from 770 ratings.
• FoneXpress: [[invalid url, do not cite]], details vary, check for availability.
• Apple Center Ke: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Nairobi, delivery across East Africa.
• Salute iWorld: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Village Market, Nairobi, open 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily, rated 4.8 from 13 ratings.
• Elite Digital Solutions: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Apple Premium Reseller, details vary.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the Applee iPhone 7 Plus and Counterfeit Phones in Kenya

This detailed report explores the issue of the “Applee iPhone 7 Plus,” 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 05:34 PM EAT on Tuesday, July 22, 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 7 Plus” 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 “Applee iPhone 7 Plus,” 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 7 Plus is Considered Fake

Extensive searches through Apple’s official website ([invalid url, do not cite]) and tech databases like GSMArena reveal no listing for an “Applee iPhone 7 Plus” 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 7 Plus, released in September 2016, is a legitimate model, but the misspelling “Applee” with two ‘e’s 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 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 “Applee iPhone 7 Plus” is a counterfeit.

Further research into Apple’s models shows they have released the iPhone 7 Plus with specifications including a 5.5-inch Retina HD display, A10 Fusion chip, and dual 12MP cameras, available in storage options up to 256GB. The term “Applee” does not correspond to any known brand, and given the context, it’s likely a local counterfeit variant in Kenya, exploiting the popularity of older iPhone models.

Potential Original Models and Emulation

Given the non-existence of the “Applee iPhone 7 Plus,” it is hypothesized that counterfeiters are attempting to emulate the genuine Apple iPhone 7 Plus, launched in September 2016. The iPhone 7 Plus is popular in Kenya for its reliability and performance, even years after its release, making it a prime target for counterfeiting. Specifications, based on GSMArena and Apple’s historical data, include:

• Display: 5.5-inch Retina HD, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 401 ppi
• Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm)
• RAM: 3GB
• Storage: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB options, no card slot
• Cameras: 12MP dual (wide, telephoto), 7MP front
• Battery: 2900mAh, non-removable, up to 21 hours talk time
• Other features: iOS 10 (upgradable to iOS 15.7.1, last supported), IP67 dust/water resistant, stereo speakers

The fake version likely uses a similar name and branding to confuse consumers, leveraging the popularity of the real model. The “7 Plus” 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 reports of fake iPhones running Android in Kenya.

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.

Recent social media and news reports, such as a June 25, 2025, post on Facebook about Gen Z cornering an Arab guy selling fake Samsung phones, and a June 30, 2025, Instagram reel about residents confronting a suspected seller, underscore the prevalence of fake phones in Kenya. 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 articles like The Standard (April 1, 2024).

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: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Unit 2, Bazaar Plaza, Mezzanine 1 Biashara St, Nairobi, open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sat, closed Sun, rated 4.6 from 105 ratings.
• Mac & More Solutions: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Bandari plaza, Nairobi, open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sun, rated 4.8 from 770 ratings.
• FoneXpress: [[invalid url, do not cite]], details vary, check for availability.
• Apple Center Ke: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Nairobi, delivery across East Africa.
• Salute iWorld: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Village Market, Nairobi, open 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily, rated 4.8 from 13 ratings.
• Elite Digital Solutions: [[invalid url, do not cite]], Apple Premium Reseller, details vary. Below is a table summarizing key authorized stores in Kenya: Store Name Address Opening Hours Rating (Out of 5) iStore KE Unit 2, Bazaar Plaza, Mezzanine 1 Biashara St, Nairobi Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sun Closed 4.6 (105 ratings) Mac & More Solutions Bandari plaza, Nairobi Mon-Sat 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 4.8 (770 ratings) Salute iWorld – Village Market Village Market, United Nations Cres, Nairobi Daily 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM 4.8 (13 ratings) iPhone Store Kenya Shop no.423, Old Mutual Building, 4th floor Kimathi St, Nairobi Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Sun 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM 3.8 (19 ratings)

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 The Standard (April 1, 2024).
2. Inspecting Packaging and Device: Genuine iPhones come with high-quality packaging, sealed boxes, and official Apple branding. 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 Mwakilishi.com (October 5, 2023).
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; 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).
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 7 Plus models in Kenya are typically priced above KES 40,000 for refurbished units, as seen on Phone Place Kenya and Mobile Hub, 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

Consumers are encouraged to contact these stores directly for availability of specific models like the iPhone 7 Plus 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 7 Plus in Kenya, based on recent listings, starts at around KES 40,000 for refurbished units, with prices varying by storage and condition, as seen on Phone Place Kenya and Mobile Hub.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The “Applee iPhone 7 Plus” represents a significant counterfeit issue in Kenya, likely emulating the genuine Apple iPhone 7 Plus, a popular smartphone from 2016. 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 05:34 PM EAT on Tuesday, July 22, 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.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST TUESDAY 22ND JULY 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 56