The Appplee iPhone 6S: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market, a thriving hub for both premium and budget-friendly devices, is increasingly plagued by counterfeit products. Among these, the so-called “Appplee iPhone 6S” has emerged as a prevalent fake phone, exploiting the enduring popularity of Apple’s iPhone brand. This article explains why the Appplee iPhone 6S is a counterfeit device, identifies the original iPhone model it attempts to emulate, and provides practical guidance for Kenyan consumers to avoid purchasing fake phones. Additionally, we’ll share links to trusted retailers where authentic iPhones can be purchased.

Why the Appplee iPhone 6S Is a Fake Phone

The Appplee iPhone 6S is not a legitimate model in Apple’s official iPhone lineup. Several factors confirm its counterfeit status:

1. Misspelled Brand Name:
   The name “Appplee” with extra “p”s and an “e” is a clear indicator of a fake. Apple’s authentic branding uses the correct spelling, “Apple.” Counterfeiters often use slight variations in spelling to mimic the original brand while evading legal scrutiny, relying on convincing packaging to deceive buyers. This tactic is common in Kenya, where misspellings like “Sammsunng” or “Nockia” have been reported in counterfeit phone sales.
2. Non-Existent Model Variation:
   Apple’s iPhone 6S, released in September 2015, is a well-documented model, but the “Appplee iPhone 6S” is not part of Apple’s catalog, as verified on Apple’s official website (www.apple.com). Counterfeiters use the iPhone 6S name to capitalize on its familiarity, but the misspelled branding and questionable origins confirm its inauthenticity.
3. Substandard Build and Specifications:
   Fake Appplee iPhone 6S phones typically feature inferior materials, such as cheap plastic bodies, low-resolution LCD displays, and weak processors. These devices may mimic the iPhone 6S’s iconic aluminum design or 4.7-inch Retina display but deliver poor performance, with issues like lagging, blurry cameras, or unreliable battery life. A 2016 Gizbot report noted that fake iPhones often have external memory card slots, which the genuine iPhone 6S lacks, and deliver poor camera quality.
4. Inauthentic Software and Security Risks:
   Genuine iPhones run on iOS, offering seamless integration with iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services. Fake Appplee iPhone 6S devices often use Android with an iOS-like skin, sometimes embedded with malware or intrusive apps that reinstall automatically, posing significant security risks. A Reddit post about a fake iPhone 14 Pro Max in Kenya described apps like WhatsApp and Zalo reinstalling, a common issue with counterfeit iPhones running Android clones. These fakes lack iOS features like 3D Touch or Live Photos, and opening the App Store may redirect to the Google Play Store.
5. Proliferation in Kenya:
   Kenya’s smartphone market is a hotspot for counterfeit devices, with up to 40% of phones estimated to be fake, costing the economy billions in evaded taxes. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reported 19.4–25.68 million counterfeit phones in use by September 2023. The Appplee iPhone 6S is part of this wave, distributed through unregulated channels like street vendors, unverified online marketplaces (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Jiji.co.ke), and platforms like Alibaba and Desertcart, which advertise “fake phone products.” The iPhone 6S’s age and affordability make it a prime target for counterfeiting in Kenya’s price-sensitive market.

The Original Phone the Appplee iPhone 6S Is Trying to Emulate

The fake Appplee iPhone 6S is designed to emulate the Apple iPhone 6S, a mid-range smartphone released by Apple in September 2015. The iPhone 6S remains popular in Kenya’s second-hand and refurbished markets due to its reliable performance, compact design, and affordability compared to newer iPhone models. Below are the key specifications of the authentic iPhone 6S, based on details from Apple’s website and iStore Kenya:

• Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 750 x 1334 pixels, 3D Touch
• Processor: Apple A9 (14 nm), Dual-core 1.84 GHz
• RAM/Storage: 2GB/16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB (non-expandable)
• Camera: Single rear 12MP (f/2.2, 4K video, Live Photos), 5MP front camera
• Battery: 1715mAh with up to 14 hours talk time
• OS: iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 15.8)
• Other Features: 4G LTE, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, aluminum body, dual SIM (nano-SIM only)
• Price in Kenya: Approximately KSh 10,000–20,000 (2024 refurbished/second-hand price)

The fake Appplee iPhone 6S may mimic the iPhone 6S’s aluminum body, 4.7-inch display, or single-camera design, but it typically features inferior components, such as low-resolution screens, Android-based operating systems, and cameras lacking 4K video or Live Photos. Counterfeiters may falsely advertise iOS or Touch ID, which are either non-functional or absent.

Why the Fake Appplee iPhone 6S Is Flooding the Kenyan Market

Several factors contribute to the proliferation of fake Appplee iPhone 6S phones in Kenya:

1. iPhone’s Popularity in Kenya:
   The iPhone 6S remains a sought-after device in Kenya’s second-hand market due to its compact size, reliability, and Apple’s brand prestige. Counterfeiters exploit this by producing fake models like the Appplee iPhone 6S, targeting consumers seeking affordable iPhones. A Reddit thread highlighted the prevalence of fake iPhone 13s and 14s in Nairobi, a trend that extends to older models like the 6S.
2. Price-Sensitive Market:
   Genuine refurbished iPhone 6S units are priced around KSh 10,000–20,000, while fake Appplee iPhone 6S phones are sold at even lower prices (e.g., KSh 3,000–8,000, as seen in Jiji.co.ke listings for iPhone 6 models). This affordability appeals to cost-conscious buyers, as noted in a CA report on the appeal of counterfeit phones.
3. Unregulated Sales Channels:
   Counterfeit phones are distributed through street vendors, unofficial retailers, or unverified online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Jiji.co.ke, or Desertcart, which explicitly advertise “fake phone products.” These channels lack proper documentation or warranties, enabling the spread of fakes. The ACA’s seizures in Nairobi highlight the scale of counterfeit phone distribution.
4. Consumer Unawareness:
   Many buyers are unaware of how to verify an iPhone’s authenticity, especially when counterfeiters use convincing packaging. The misspelling of “Appplee” may go unnoticed, particularly by first-time buyers or those unfamiliar with Apple’s lineup. A 2023 Reddit post warned of fake iPhone 14 Pro Max units sold at full price in Kenya, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

How to Avoid Buying Fake Phones in Kenya

To protect yourself from purchasing a counterfeit Appplee iPhone 6S or other fake smartphones, follow these practical steps, informed by Apple’s guidelines and industry best practices:

1. Verify the IMEI and Serial Number:
   Every iPhone has a unique 15-digit IMEI and serial number. To confirm authenticity:

• Dial *#06# on the phone to display the IMEI.
• Text the IMEI to 1555, a free service provided by the Communications Authority of Kenya, to verify the phone’s legitimacy. You’ll receive an SMS with the phone’s make and model (e.g., iPhone 6S).
• Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page (checkcoverage.apple.com) and enter the IMEI or serial number (found in Settings > General > About). A genuine iPhone will display its model details and warranty status; a fake will show an error or mismatched information.
• Ensure the IMEI and serial number match those on the box, receipt, and SIM tray. Fake phones may have cloned IMEI numbers that appear valid but don’t match the device’s model.

1. Purchase from Authorized Retailers:
   Buy iPhones only from reputable stores or Apple-authorized resellers. Avoid street vendors, unverified online sellers (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Jiji.co.ke, Desertcart, Alibaba), or deals that seem too good to be true, as these often involve fakes like “Appplee” phones. Trusted retailers provide warranties and authentic products. Apple recommends purchasing from authorized stores to ensure genuineness. See the list of stores below.
2. Check Specifications and Software:
   Research the iPhone 6S’s specifications on Apple’s official website (www.apple.com) before purchasing. Ensure the device runs genuine iOS (check Settings > General > Software Update for iOS 9 or later) and supports iCloud, the App Store, and features like 3D Touch. Fake iPhones often run Android with an iOS-like skin, redirect to the Google Play Store, or have pre-installed apps like WhatsApp. Test features like Live Photos or Touch ID; fakes lack these or show Android “toast” notifications. A Gizbot report noted that fake iPhones may display a “Welcome” screen instead of the Apple logo on startup.
3. Inspect Build Quality and Packaging:
   Genuine iPhones feature premium materials like aluminum and Retina HD displays. Look for signs of a fake, such as:

• Misspelled branding (e.g., “Appplee” instead of “Apple”)
• Low-quality packaging with stickers, tears, or spelling errors (genuine iPhone boxes have a clear plastic cover and “Designed by Apple in California”)
• Low-resolution LCD screens instead of Retina HD
• Plastic borders around the charging port or lightweight builds
• Compare the box and phone with images on Apple’s website. Accessories like cables should have “Designed by Apple” branding. A 2016 Gizbot report highlighted that fake iPhones often have external SD card slots, absent in the genuine iPhone 6S.

1. Test Hardware and Camera:
   The iPhone 6S has a 12MP rear camera with 4K video and a 5MP front camera. Test the camera by recording video or using Live Photos; blurry or low-quality results indicate a fake. Check Touch ID functionality and the absence of an SD card slot. Verify the display’s quality (750 x 1334 pixels) and test 4G connectivity. Visit an Apple-authorized service center like iStore Kenya for professional verification if unsure.
2. Demand a Warranty and Receipt:
   Authentic iPhones, even refurbished ones, come with a one-year Apple warranty and a proper receipt. Verify the warranty status on Apple’s Check Coverage page and ensure the receipt matches the phone’s details, including the model (iPhone 6S) and IMEI. Fake phones often lack warranties or have forged receipts, as noted in a 2023 Reddit post about a fake iPhone 14 Pro Max in Kenya.
3. Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Prices:
   If an “Appplee iPhone 6S” is priced significantly lower than a refurbished iPhone 6S (e.g., KSh 3,000 vs. KSh 10,000–20,000), it’s likely a fake. Listings on Jiji.co.ke for iPhone 6 models as low as KSh 3,000 are red flags. Compare prices with trusted retailers to ensure fairness.

Where to Buy the Original iPhone 6S in Kenya

The iPhone 6S is an older model, so it is primarily available in Kenya’s second-hand or refurbished market. To ensure you’re purchasing an authentic iPhone 6S, shop at these trusted retailers:

1. Jumia Kenya (www.jumia.co.ke):
   Jumia offers refurbished iPhones, including the iPhone 6S, with warranties and cash-on-delivery options. Prices for refurbished units start around KSh 10,000–20,000.
2. iStore Kenya (www.istoreke.com):
   An Apple-authorized reseller in Nairobi (Sarit Centre, Westlands), iStore offers authentic refurbished iPhones with warranties and certified repair services. The iPhone 6S is available at competitive prices.
3. Phone Place Kenya (www.phoneplacekenya.com):
   Phone Place Kenya stocks refurbished iPhones, including the iPhone 6S, with fast delivery (1–2 hours in Nairobi, 24 hours countrywide) and warranties.
4. PigiaMe (www.pigiame.co.ke):
   PigiaMe offers genuine refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers, with iPhone 6S units starting around KSh 10,000. Verify seller credibility before purchasing.
5. Phone Grade Kenya (www.phonegradekenya.com):
   Located in Nairobi CBD, Phone Grade Kenya offers refurbished iPhone 6S units with a one-year warranty on screen repairs and competitive pricing starting at KSh 10,000.
6. Apple Center Kenya (applecenter.co.ke):
   A trusted Apple reseller in Nairobi, offering refurbished iPhones like the 6S with certified repair services and warranties.
7. Badili Kenya (badili.ke):
   Badili specializes in certified refurbished iPhones with a 12-month warranty, offering the iPhone 6S at around KSh 10,000–15,000.

Before purchasing, confirm the phone model (iPhone 6S, not Appplee iPhone 6S) and verify its authenticity using the IMEI check and other methods outlined above.

Conclusion

The Appplee iPhone 6S is a counterfeit smartphone that does not exist in Apple’s official lineup, designed to mimic the popular iPhone 6S. Its proliferation in the Kenyan market exploits Apple’s brand prestige and the demand for affordable, reliable smartphones, but these fakes offer poor performance, security risks, and no official support. To avoid such scams, Kenyan consumers should verify the IMEI on Apple’s Check Coverage page, purchase from trusted retailers like Jumia, iStore Kenya, or Phone Grade Kenya, and inspect the device for signs of authenticity, such as iOS and premium build quality. By staying vigilant and informed, you can confidently invest in genuine iPhones that deliver the performance, quality, and ecosystem Apple is known for.

HUBA MAISHA MAGIC BONGO 6TH AUGUST 2025 WEDNESDAY LEO USIKU SEASON 14 EPISODE 62