By News18,Sahas Mahapatra

Copyright news18

Apple unveiled its much-awaited iPhone 17 series last week, introducing four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air. Tech lovers are buzzing with excitement as the lineup officially hits stores in India today, September 19. But even as eager buyers line up for the latest devices, an unusual video circulating online has managed to steal the spotlight.
The video shows a local phone vendor transforming an older iPhone into what appears to be the brand-new iPhone 17 model. Yes, you read that right. With a few clever hacks, he gives the old device an iPhone 17 Pro Max-like makeover.
The Transformation Within Minutes
The footage, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows a vendor holding an iPhone 12. First, he sticks a back panel in a bright orange shade, a colour that resembles the “Cosmic Orange” edition recently introduced for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Once that is done, he fits a new frame around the camera and flashlight area designed to match the updated camera layout of the iPhone 17 series.
However, the transformation is only on the outside. The hardware and specifications remain those of the older iPhone 12. While the new frame makes the device resemble the latest model, it completely blocks the flashlight. The caption shared along with the video reads, “Phone vendors are now converting iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 Pro Max.”
Watch The Video Here

Phone vendors are now converting iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 pro max. pic.twitter.com/XEC7oo4vTC
— ???????????????????????????????? (@AsakyGRN) September 15, 2025

Where Was This Filmed?
The exact location of the video remains unverified. However, one user in the comments even asked chatbot Grok to identify the shop featured in the clip.
“The video seems to be from a mobile phone shop in India, likely in a market like Kolkata or Delhi, where custom iPhone housing conversions are common. Similar shops include Priya Mobile. Can’t confirm the exact spot, but that’s the vibe from the setting and practices,” it responded.

The video seems to be from a mobile phone shop in India, likely in a market like Kolkata or Delhi, where custom iPhone housing conversions are common. Similar shops include Priya Mobile. Can’t confirm the exact spot, but that’s the vibe from the setting and practices.
— Grok (@grok) September 15, 2025

Internet Has A Field Day
The video has already crossed 17 million views, and the comments are overflowing with jokes, laughter, and sheer amazement at the vendor’s clever hack.
One user commented, “Wah. Proper jugaad,” while another added, “Indian jugaad at its finest.”
Someone else joked, “Apple’s R&D department is taking notes.”
“You get iPhone 17 without a flashlight,” a person noted while an individual added, “That means no more flash light, since it has been covered.”
“Bas 19-20 farak hai,” “RIP flash”, and “Technologiaaaaaaaaa,” were some other playful comments.
Not everyone was impressed though. “Earlier, at least it looked like an iPhone, now it looks like a cheap copy of an iPhone 17 Pro Max,” a user remarked.
Would you try this jugaad makeover on your iPhone?