Highlights
- Fake seals mimicking original Apple seals have been found on several units in India.
- Apple urges customers to buy from authorized retailers only.
- Users should inspect the packaging carefully.
- Customers can verify the original purchase date at Apple’s Check Coverage page to ensure authenticity.
Screengrab of Instagram video shows that counterfeit seals are being used by frauds. (Image credit – cortekenterprises on Instagram)
No one works harder than scammers. This is especially true when it comes to certain industries and tech is unfortunately one of those. One recent example is the fake seal boxes of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. Here’s everything you need to know.
As the eagerly awaited iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max hit the market, concern about the authenticity of the newly launched iPhones has emerged in India.
The fake seals closely mimic the original Apple seals. These seals have now been found on several units. It raised an alarms among consumers and retailers alike after images and videos started going viral on the internet.
This issue is particularly troubling given the popularity and high price of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
Apple has been quick in taking notice of these reports. The Cupertino giant has urged customers to be vigilant. Also, it advised more so now that customer purchase their devices only from authorized retailers. This would help avoid counterfeit products.
View this post on Instagram
The company is also working closely with local authorities to address the issue. Apple repeated that it always ensures that genuine products reach the hands of consumers.
This development serves as a reminder for buyers to carefully inspect the packaging and seals of their new devices.
Also, Apple insists users report any suspicious activity either to the brand or the relevant authorities.
How to Check Original iPhone Purchase Date?
One way to ensure the authenticity of the new iPhone is to check the original iPhone purchase date.
Enter your device serial number on the page to verify the original purchase date.
Customers can find the original purchase date at https://checkcoverage.apple.com.
The original purchase date is always one year earlier than the consumer warranty coverage ends. For example, if the warranty coverage expires on 13th September 2025, this means your purchase date was 13th September 2024.
FAQs
What issue has emerged with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in India?
Counterfeit seals mimicking original Apple seals have been found on several units, raising concerns about authenticity.
How is Apple addressing the issue of counterfeit seals?
Apple urges customers to buy from authorized retailers, inspect the packaging carefully, and is working with local authorities to address the issue.
How to verify the original purchase date of their iPhone?
Customers can check the original purchase date on Apple’s Check Coverage page to ensure authenticity.
What are the top reasons to upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro ?
Upgraded camera : the smartphone includes a 48MP ultrawide camera which is an upgrade from a 12MP camera.
iPhone 16 Pro features the new tetraprism camera from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, enabling 5x optical zoom.
Camera Control button: users can easily activate the app, manage zoom, depth of field, and other features.
A18 Pro chip performance: With the new chipset, Apple has integrated 15% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU. Additionally, the chip is powered by a 16-core neural engine enabling the smartphone to run Apple’s large language models and other AI-related tasks effortlessly.
Cost cut in India In Comparison to last year the iPhone 15 Pro which was launched at a starting price of Rs.1,34,900. iPhone 16 Pro comes at a starting price of Rs.1,19,900.
Display Upgrade : The iPhone 16 Pro comes with an increased 6.3-inch screen, iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display.
The bezels are slimmer in comparison to last year’s Pro models.
What are the reasons to avoid buying the iPhone 16 pro ?
iPhone 16 Pro models will not get AI features out of the box.
It is said some of the Apple Intelligence features will be rolling out in October with iOS 18.1.
Paying extra to buy storage even though they are pro models at a high cost .
As of now iPhone 16 Pro comes with a base storage variant of just 128GB.iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a base storage of 256GB.
What are Pre-Order Offers for the iPhone 16 Series ?
Customers pre-ordering from Apple Store with credit cards from Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and American Express will receive an instant discount of Rs. 5,000. This discount applies to all models of the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16
Pro Max.
For those opting for No Cost EMI, most leading banks offer 3 or 6-month payment plans. Apple’s Trade-In program provides an additional option to exchange an old device for credit ranging from Rs.4,000 to Rs. 67,500 towards the purchase of a new iPhone. Buyers will also get a 3-month free subscription to Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade.
Where to Pre-Order the iPhone 16?
You can pre-order the iPhone 16 series from multiple locations:
*Apple Store online
* Apple Store Saket, Delhi
* Apple Store BKC, Mumbai
* Flipkart
* Amazon
* Croma
* Reliance Digital
* Vijay Sales
* Imagine stores
* Unicorn stores
* Mapple stores
* Concept stores
* iPlanet stores
* Aptronix stores
What are Offers on Previous Generation Models by Apple ?
Apple has lowered the prices of its iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 models by a significant Rs. 10,000.
However, the company has made the decision to discontinue the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. Additionally, get instant cashback offers:
Rs. 4,000 for iPhone 15/15 Plus, Rs. 3,000 for iPhone 14/14 Plus, and Rs. 2,500 for iPhone SE.
These offers are available with American Express, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank cards, along with no-cost EMI plans for up to six months on older models.