“It’s Not a Converted XR!” — Nkechi Blessing Proves Authenticity of Her iPhone 17 by Dipping It in Water

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has once again made headlines, this time over claims that her newly acquired iPhone 17, reportedly worth almost ₦3 million, is not genuine. The outspoken actress, known for her fiery personality and no-nonsense attitude, decided to silence critics in the most dramatic way possible — by immersing her expensive phone in water to prove that it is indeed an authentic iPhone 17 and not a converted iPhone XR as rumored online.

The drama began after the actress shared a video flaunting her new gadget, which she said she purchased shortly after its release. In the post, Nkechi could be seen showing off the sleek phone, praising its smooth design and upgraded features. However, social media users were quick to flood her comments section with accusations, alleging that her so-called iPhone 17 was nothing but a refurbished or “converted” XR model, customized to appear like the latest Apple release.

Within hours, the debate spread like wildfire across various platforms, with users dissecting screenshots of her phone, zooming into camera placements, and comparing her device with images of the real iPhone 17 circulating online. Some tech-savvy critics claimed that the spacing of the lenses and the finish of the phone’s frame didn’t match Apple’s official design. Others insisted that the iPhone 17 had not yet been widely released in Nigeria, suggesting that anyone claiming to own one was most likely flaunting a fake.

But Nkechi Blessing, never one to back down from online controversy, took to her Instagram page to address the matter head-on. In a new live video, the actress could be seen sitting comfortably at home with a bowl of water in front of her. Laughing at the camera, she said, “Since una say my iPhone 17 na converted XR, make una watch am now. I go put am inside water make we see whether e go still work. If e no be original, e go spoil immediately.”

Without hesitation, she dipped the shiny device into the bowl of water, leaving it submerged for several seconds before pulling it out. To the surprise of many watching the livestream, the phone appeared to remain perfectly functional. Nkechi turned on the camera, opened apps, and even made a brief video call, all to demonstrate that her phone had suffered no damage.

“Una don see am now?” she said with a smirk. “This phone na original! Make una rest. I no dey use fake things. I work hard for my money, and I fit buy anything I want. iPhone 17 no be your mate.”

The video quickly went viral, attracting thousands of comments from fans and critics alike. While some applauded her for boldly defending herself, others accused her of seeking attention and turning a simple rumor into a publicity stunt. “Only Nkechi can go this far just to prove a point,” one fan wrote. “She no dey ever gree make anybody talk nonsense about her.” Another user commented, “Even if the phone is real, why risk putting a ₦3 million device in water just to prove to strangers online? She’s too dramatic abeg.”

The actress, however, seemed unbothered by the mixed reactions. Later in the day, she posted a follow-up story showing herself using the phone at a restaurant, captioning it: “Still working perfectly. Lesson of the day — stop assuming nonsense.”

This latest episode adds to the long list of social media controversies surrounding Nkechi Blessing, who has built a reputation for responding directly — and sometimes dramatically — to rumors about her personal life, lifestyle, and possessions. Just last month, she trended for calling out a fan who questioned the authenticity of her designer bag, insisting that people should focus on improving their own lives rather than spreading negativity.

Meanwhile, the conversation about the authenticity of iPhones in Nigeria has continued to gain momentum. With the increasing market for refurbished and “converted” phones — where older models are upgraded with newer parts to mimic newer versions — many celebrities and influencers have faced similar accusations. Social media users often scrutinize celebrities’ gadgets and fashion items, sometimes exposing fake products but also, at times, unfairly targeting individuals with baseless claims.

Tech experts who weighed in on Nkechi’s viral stunt noted that while newer iPhones are indeed water-resistant, submerging them intentionally can still cause long-term damage. One Lagos-based phone technician said, “It’s true that from the iPhone 12 series upwards, Apple devices can survive being dipped briefly in water. But that doesn’t mean people should try it at home. Water resistance isn’t permanent — it reduces with time and exposure.”

Nevertheless, Nkechi’s bold demonstration appeared to have achieved its purpose. Many fans who initially doubted her came back to apologize or at least concede that her phone looked genuine. Some even praised her sense of humor and fearlessness in dealing with online trolls. “That’s why I love her,” a fan wrote. “She always gives people something to talk about. Nkechi no dey fear internet warriors.”

Despite the controversy, Nkechi took the entire situation in stride. In another Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself posing with the phone, accompanied by the caption: “Fake or real, na me buy am. My money, my choice.” The post has since garnered over 50,000 likes and hundreds of supportive comments.

Industry observers believe that Nkechi’s constant presence in online conversations has actually helped keep her name relevant in the entertainment industry, even when she doesn’t have a new movie out. By turning every controversy into a spectacle, she has managed to maintain her status as one of Nollywood’s most talked-about personalities.

As the debate gradually fades, it’s clear that Nkechi Blessing’s latest stunt has once again proven her ability to command public attention — whether through her acting talent, outspoken nature, or now, her water-tested iPhone. Love her or hate her, the actress continues to dominate social media trends with a blend of humor, defiance, and unshakable confidence.

For her fans, the incident was simply another classic Nkechi moment — dramatic, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining. For her critics, it was proof that she will always go the extra mile to protect her image and prove a point. Either way, Nkechi Blessing has once again turned a wave of online skepticism into a viral moment, reminding everyone that in the world of fame and social media, sometimes even a phone dipped in water can make the biggest splash.