The hype train for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro has barely left the station, yet the knockoff industry is already miles ahead.
A remarkably convincing clone has appeared online, running Android disguised as iOS 18 – and it’s launching almost a month before the real device is even announced.
Shared by photographer Sonny Dickson on X, the counterfeit phone nails the look of Apple’s design, from the wallpaper to the pixel-perfect interface. It even mirrors the rumored camera layout, industrial design, and proportions seen in leaked renders and CAD files that case makers rely on. From a distance, it’s nearly impossible to tell it’s fake.
Of course, the resemblance is only skin deep. While the genuine iPhone 17 Pro is expected to debut with iOS 26 and a striking new Liquid Glass redesign, the clone is built on Android with a heavy skin. Under the hood, it’s packed with the cheapest hardware possible – think sluggish performance, lag right out of the box, and specs that barely meet basic usability standards.
Yet, in regions where official iPhones are scarce or overpriced, these clones offer the Apple aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. They’re not meant for those chasing performance or longevity, but for buyers who want the status symbol without paying the premium. Counterfeit manufacturers capitalize on leaks, fast prototyping, and global supply chains to move from concept to final product in just weeks, hitting the market before Apple’s official reveal.
The clone’s build is all about appearances – a part-aluminum, part-glass body, and that oversized camera plateau. But in truth, it’s purely for show. The actual iPhone 17 Pro will likely be unveiled on September 9 alongside the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 and possibly other surprises. Until then, expect these fakes to flood certain markets, selling the illusion of Apple at Android’s bargain-bin cost.