“These counterfeit phones, Cohen said, were either out of warranty or contained counterfeit parts, but Apple “wrongly” believed that they were real phones under real warranties”

So not counterfeit. Just real iPhones that were out of warranty or has been repaired by a third party.

As an American, makes me think of real dollars backed by silver and gold and then everything else that’s been printed and printed and printed (and printed) since the 70’s. Same manufacturer.

Since the scammers spoofed the ID numbers of real phones, it is quite possible that real customers wilö be affected bu this, so I wonder what will happen if a real customer who has issues with their real phone that had it’s ID stolen and needs help…

Is 2.5m even worth apples time?

Sure, it’s all “fake”. It’s foxcon with Apple logo.