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In a striking case of tech imitation, an unreleased knockoff of the iPhone 17 Pro has surfaced running Android but heavily skinned to mimic Apple’s design and iOS. Photographer Sonny Dickson shared images on X, showcasing a near-perfect look-alike, complete with familiar wallpaper and a user interface that mimics iOS 18 pixel-to-pixel. Despite this resemblance, the knockoff is expected to run an older version of Android since Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro will ship with iOS 26.
The timing of this release makes it particularly fascinating, as the iPhone 17 Pro is still about a month away from launch. The design of the clone mirrors all the leaks and reports we have covered, including the camera module layout and industrial design, mirroring every cue provided by speculative renders. In these final hours, device dimensions and an almost-final design are available to case manufacturers in the form of renders and CAD files. Counterfeit manufacturers can use this information to develop clones and knockoffs well before the actual product launches.
Upon first glance, it would be very hard to distinguish between a clone and the real deal. However, those familiar with Apple’s release cycles will recognize that what they are seeing is an Android-based counterfeit device. In markets where official iPhones are unavailable or too expensive, these knockoffs serve as a cheaper but accessible alternative for consumers who want the Apple aesthetic without paying the full premium price.
These clones also operate quite fast, releasing the device well ahead of time to gain traction and possibly some sales. They use low-cost components and Android-based systems to create devices that look premium but are not expensive to produce. Through fast prototyping and global supply chains, counterfeit products can move from concept to finished product in weeks, taking advantage of the hype surrounding actual flagships.
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For some buyers, looks or status are more important than productivity or the full user experience. These phones would be powered by the cheapest hardware that barely qualifies as a standard for a usable device, meaning you can expect stuttering performance even after unboxing. All these iPhone clones provide only a false sense of status, even if the performance falls short.
In the images shared, the clone features the same giant camera plateau as renders with a part-aluminum, part-glass design, though clearly for aesthetic purposes. The actual flagship is expected to be unveiled at Apple’s rumored September 9 event, where the company would also announce new Apple Watch Ultra 3 and possibly additional products.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming flagships from Apple?
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What operating system is expected to run on the unreleased knockoff of the iPhone 17 Pro according to the passage?
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