Fake iPhone Check: Top 8 Ways to Identify Counterfeit iPhones

iPhones are popular for their upscale technology and high-end features, making them the optimal choice for a multitude of users. However, this popularity also makes iPhones prone to be cloned, resulting in a market flooded with duplicate and fake products due to high demand. Fake deals are most likely to be found in grey and black markets, both online and offline, selling unauthorized, illegal, stolen, fake, and cloned devices. It is essential to thoroughly check all the details before purchasing an iPhone. The safest methods are to purchase from primary market brand sellers or the secondary market where refurbished and used phones are sold. Below are the top 8 ways to determine whether an iPhone is authentic or fake:

1. Physical Condition Check

Examine the physical condition of the iPhone; everything should be perfectly centered and colored. Look at the case, buttons, and their positioning. Watch out for similar brand tags like ‘hiPhone’. Compare it with an official iPhone from a retailer’s website.

2. Check the Operating System

Turn the phone on and ensure it’s running iOS. If it's running another operating system, it’s probably a fake. You can check the iOS version in "Settings -> General -> About."

3. Siri Test

Launch Siri by holding down the Home button for a few seconds. If Siri isn’t enabled on your iPhone version 4s and later, it’s likely a fake iPhone.

4. Network Connectivity

The iPhone should be able to connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Edge on all models, and later models support NFC for Apple Pay. If it lacks the hardware to connect to these networks, it may be fake. Test network features by restoring your iPhone.

5. Battery and SD Card Slot

Test whether you can swap the batteries and find a microSD card slot. Some cloned iPhones have these features, but real iPhones do not. Stylus pens may work on fake iPhones but not on genuine ones.

6. iTunes Compatibility

If the iPhone can't connect to iTunes, it may be fake. Ensure you have the latest versions of iTunes and iOS. Try restoring your iPhone through iTunes to confirm its authenticity.

7. Check for Built-In Apple Apps

Real iPhones come with built-in Apple-branded apps that cannot be removed unless jailbroken. Missing apps like “Calculator,” “Contacts,” “Compass,” “Music,” “Settings,” and “Photos” may indicate a jailbroken or fake iPhone.

8. Serial Number Verification

Each iPhone has a unique serial number. Check if the serial number is valid by visiting Apple's warranty status page and entering the serial number. An invalid serial number could indicate a fake iPhone.

It's always better to take precautions when purchasing an iPhone. Avoid buying from black market dealers just because of lower prices. Even if not entirely fake, such iPhones may have lower-quality hardware parts, affecting performance. If you discover that your iPhone is cloned or contains fake parts after purchase, report it to the authorities as it may involve stolen phones or technical malpractice.

For safe and genuine used iPhones, visit the ORUphones homepage for secure deals.