Chinese iPhone users style their smartphones to look like the latest Apple's flagship product. (Photo : Getty Images)
Keeping up with the latest in Apple's flagship smartphone could be a bit expensive for many, especially with the upgrades coming on an annual basis. And a change-up south of $600 (4,065 yuan) is something that would make consumers think twice.
With the recent release of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, many were quick to observe that the design was not much of an upgrade from last year's iPhone 6 models, unlike the transition from the iPhone 5 series.
This year's models are almost the same as its most recent predecessors in terms of aesthetics, with only the absence of headphone jack and revamped speaker and camera setup as the only external differences.
The overall look and feel are almost the same, although some experts say Apple still has its innovative ideas up under its sleeves, saving them for its flagship product's 10th-anniversary release in 2017.
With these, online shops have found a way to save its customers from upgrading and spending hundreds of bucks on a new iPhone. Makeover kits such as false cameras can be bought to imitate the look of the iPhone 7. Dust plugs to cover the headphone jack in the subtlest way are also available. From temporary makeover, some iPhone users go as far as having the rear casing engraved, or even replaced with shells resembling the iPhone 7.
This rather odd way of keeping up with the fast-paced iPhone transition could have a negative impact on Apple's sales.
The California-based tech giant has been looking to other countries such as China to provide them boost in sales, but the company's once second-largest market has slipped a notch, with its revenues falling 30 percent this year compared to last year's 17 percent growth.
The leveling off of the smartphone market in China has also contributed to the U.S. firm's sales figures, with local smartphone manufacturers such as Huawei, Oppo and Vivo gaining traction in the smartphone industry.
