**A Man’s Transition from iPhone 3GS to iPhone 17 Went Viral: It Was Fabricated, Yet Still Remarkable**
Cherished Marvel star Chris Evans garnered attention a few years back when he transitioned from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone 12 after eight years with the former. Like many, Evans appreciated the sleek design and the home button. The actor’s phone upgrade attracted such attention due to his celebrity status, but countless iPhone users may have faced similar circumstances. Individuals tend to keep their smartphones longer than in previous years. According to Assurant data for Q1 2025, the average age of an iPhone traded in is 3.79 years and rising.
Fast-forward to the iPhone 17 series, where an even more dramatic upgrade story went viral on social media. A man switched from his 2009 iPhone 3GS to the latest iPhone 17 Pro, capturing the entire episode on the 16-year-old device, including interactions with Apple retail staff. As seen in the Instagram video, some found it amusing to see him with such an outdated iPhone model, while others commended him. All the employees informed him that the iPhone 3GS held no trade-in value, but one suggested that he attempt to sell the handset rather than recycle it with Apple. Collectors may find value in the vintage device and provide a better offer, just as with the original iPhone. Nevertheless, it was revealed that the stunt was fabricated, and the user hadn’t truly upgraded from a 16-year-old iPhone. Nonetheless, there’s a nostalgic charm to viewing the world through an iPhone 3GS, lending this stunt a wholesome touch.
**It was merely a PR stunt**
Alex Greenberg chronicled his iPhone 3GS transition to the iPhone 17 Pro, capturing his initial visit to an Apple store to reserve the 1TB blue iPhone 17 Pro he desired. Although he posted the clip on Instagram only a few days ago, it’s probable he acquired his device on Friday, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models in stores. The short queue outside the Apple store suggests it was indeed the iPhone launch day. As of this writing, all three iPhone 17 models are sold out online.
On Tuesday, Greenberg shared a second clip on Instagram where he admitted the truth. The entire incident was staged. He possesses a functioning iPhone 3GS, which he used to film the previous video. However, he is a long-time iPhone user who has owned multiple models over the years. He actually upgraded from an iPhone 15, not the iPhone 3GS. This nearly slipped out in the initial video when he referred to the iPhone he generally purchases before realizing he was “upgrading” from an iPhone 3GS.
The second video also offers a crucial correction regarding the viral upgrade video. Greenberg initially stated he was upgrading from the 2008 iPhone 3G in that clip, instead of the iPhone 3GS released a year later. Still, it’s remarkable that a device from 2009 continues to function after all these years. The video quality, while obviously shaky, is commendable for a handset equipped with only a 3-megapixel rear camera capable of filming 480p video. Greenberg’s follow-up video, shown below, was also recorded with the same iPhone 3GS model.
