Being that it is much sought-after worldwide, it is not a phenomenon that Apple's iPhone series ever since it was first launched in 2007 is highly imitated.

And now that Apple has announced that the original iPhone plus a number of Macs and Xserve models are already bound to get obsolete or vintage, manufacturers of fake parts will likewise surely get busy.

Aside from a relatively low, lower-than-good-to-be-true price, just how can one customer assess his or her iPhone is the real thing?

Customers may start reviewing the seller's return policy, warranty and customer reviews to check if they are selling legitimate iPhones. Reputable sellers of just about anything authentic offer some type of return policy and a manufacturer's warranty that's good for at least one-year.

But then, it seems customer reviews may also be faked. Or perhaps some iPhone customers just don't know any better, as the experience of the customer in this video:

The packaging and case of a fake iPhone should come in as a giveaway, but these days, manufacturers of the fake ones have also upgraded their level of craftsmanship.

Customers may study the screen then, which often is not Retina (1136×640, 370dpi), but only 854×480, 240dpi. By this time, the quality of the pixels should visibly come out.

Another is the system language which should be in English, but it is the Chinese characters that reflect on the screen. Customers better scrutinise the back of the iPhone which must reflect the phrase "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." Obviously a warranty commitment, authentic iPhones bear this phrase, while fakes may not.

If customers also saw a hard drive size information printed on the back of the iPhone, chances are it is a fake. The real ones don't disclose such on the back.

Check the screws on the genuine and fake. All iPhone models have pentalobe screws.

A fake iPhone's SIM card slot is located the back of the gadget, while the real one's located on the side.

Some fake iPhones don't have a serial number, which can be accessed by going to "Settings," "General" and "About." If you see one, verify it by going to Apple's website (under Resources).

Lastly, if the Siri app doesn't launch, the device could be a fake. Also, pre-loaded strange and suspicious apps on the iPhone also indicate a fake.

According to an internal document obtained by 9to5Mac, the original iPhone, which debuted in 2007, will now be rendered "obsolete" or vintage status, effective June 11, 2013. Apart from the original iPhone, several other Macs and Xserve models, including the mid-2007 models of the iMac, the late 2006 model Xserve, and the original Mac Pro, will also now be officially classified as vintage and obsolete products by Apple.

Apple makes its products obsolete or vintage five years after they are discontinued, which in the case of the original iPhone, was in July 2008 when the iPhone 3G was released.

Essentially, Apple products labeled obsolete are ineligible for service parts and documentation at retail stores. They will also be not entertained for repair at mail-in AppleCare Repair Centers.

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