It'll be months before Apple introduces its iPhone 7, but the anticipated new flagship is already under threat in China – a knock-off of the rumored dual-lens iPhone 7 Plus (or iPhone 7 Pro) is now available for sale. Via GizChina, the iPhone 7 clone not only features Apple's unmistakable logo, but is also finished in the smartphone's popular Rose Gold finish. Etched at the bottom of the back of the phone is an official-ish looking label that reads: "Designed by TAIWAN Made in CHINA / Win FCC Seandeing Teaid fo Comply."
The image of the Chinese iPhone 7 knock-off only shows the back of case and the dual-camera setup, but doesn't reveal much more than that. The bottom right hand corner of the knock off features a dimple, likely to accomodate a 3.5 mm audio jack. According to longstanding rumors, the authentic iPhone 7 will only feature a lightning port in order to achieve an even thinner design.
According to PhoneArena, Chinese manufacturers have a history of creating clones based on famous brands. Not only is this a lucrative business for consumers that wish to make a statement on a budget, but it has also proven to be a major problem for recognizable luxury brands as well.
Last month, an obscure Chinese brand called Shenzhen Baili claimed that the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus had copied the design of its 100C smartphone, which caused the Beijing intellectual property board to rule a ban on sales of Cupertino's two flagship models. Although Apple had immediately appealed the ruling and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus remained available for sale, the incident demonstrated the challenges that Apple has faced in the Chinese market.
