VeryDarkMan Storms Chinese Factory, Exposes How Old iPhones Are Turned Into ‘New’ iPhone 17 Pro

Social activist and influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) has stirred massive conversation online after visiting a Chinese factory allegedly responsible for transforming old iPhones into what are marketed as brand-new iPhone 17 Pro devices.

In a viral Instagram video, VDM walked viewers through the facility, claiming the factory buys used iPhone XR units, refurbishes them, and rebrands them as the latest iPhone models.

How the Alleged Operation Works

According to VDM, technicians at the factory purchase iPhones with low battery health, then “boost” them to 100% capacity for as little as ₦2,000. The phones are then refurbished, cleaned, and repackaged with chargers and accessories to make them appear brand new.

VDM captioned the video:

“Now let’s break the table some more. Watch how they buy low battery life iPhones and boost the battery to 100% with just ₦2k. I hope you know those cords una dey call follow-come no be follow-come o.”

Clash With Blord Over ‘Upgraded’ iPhones

The exposé follows VDM’s ongoing clash with businessman and crypto investor Blord, who was accused of selling “upgraded” iPhones. Reports allege that Blord partnered with contacts in China to modify iPhone XR devices, giving them new casings, icons, and interfaces identical to the iPhone 17 Pro.

Social Media Reactions

VDM’s video quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments from Nigerians and tech enthusiasts.
While some praised the activist for uncovering the scheme, others expressed shock over how widespread such refurbishing practices might be.

One user wrote:

“This explains why some ‘new’ iPhones start acting weird after a few weeks.”

Another added:

“So it’s not just second-hand phones — they’re actually cloning them now. Madness.”

The video has reignited debates about fake and refurbished tech products flooding African markets, with many urging buyers to be cautious and only purchase devices from verified Apple retailers.