Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika has once again sparked conversation on social media, not with a luxury purchase or glamorous holiday, but with a thoughtful response to pressure around owning the latest tech gadget, specifically the iPhone 17.

In a candid Instagram exchange, Vera brushed off suggestions that she should upgrade her phone simply because it’s “trending,” making it clear that her decisions aren’t driven by social pressure or a need to follow every new trend.

The conversation began when a fan slid into her Instagram comments asking why she didn’t have the new iPhone 17, even jokingly calling her a “trendsetter” despite not owning the latest model. Rather than react defensively, Vera took the opportunity to share a refreshing perspective on consumer culture.

She pointed out that she doesn’t chase every new piece of technology just to fit in or appear stylish, especially when the device she already uses suits her needs.

“I don’t buy gadgets because of pressure. My phone works perfectly fine,” she wrote, reminding followers that influence and personal style aren’t defined by owning the newest gadgets.

Vera revealed she’d used an iPhone 8 for eight years before switching to an iPhone 13 Pro, which she still uses because it works well for her.

She explained succinctly that she’ll only upgrade her phone if it starts malfunctioning or if she genuinely needs more storage or better performance, not because others have the latest model.

Another follower queried where she buys her phones, to which Vera explained she only purchases them from official Apple Stores in the United States, usually when she travels, because she prefers to avoid the risk of getting substandard imports.

This underscores her belief in quality over hype, further highlighting how she makes purchasing decisions based on reliability rather than brand pressure.

Vera’s stance resonates with a growing number of people who feel overwhelmed by the constant cycle of upgrades in the tech world.

In a culture where owning the newest phone can sometimes feel like a status symbol, her message centered on personal choice and practicality makes a subtle but important statement about mindful consumption.