If you were looking for a flagship iPhone model in 2016, chances are that your mind revolved around the iPhone 7. This is because the model used to be a flagship model back then. In fact, the model got released on 16th September 2016. Apple continued to sell the model up to 10th September 2019. After that, the company ceased to sell it following the debut of newer models back then. As we speak, the model is almost entering its 6th year of existence.
Compared to the all-screen newer iPhone models, this model might look outdated as it might not possess some of the latest features that come with the current flagship models. Thankfully, this model comes at a relatively lower price and can still meet your current phone needs. In this article, we shall take a closer look at when this phone came out, whether it will get the iOS 16, alongside other related ideas.
Will iPhone 7 Get iOS 16
Not really. Although the iOS 16 comes with a plethora of fancy features and updates, be sure that it will not be supported by the iPhone 7. In fact, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus will not support the features of the newly launched iOS 16.
The same applies to iPhones on the lower cadre, such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S Plus and so forth. This can be attributed to the fact that iPhone 7 and other older phones will not support features such as:
- Live Text in Video
- Siri enhancement
- Voice-activated emoji
- New dictation features
- Track Medication with the camera
- Live captions
- Visual lookup
- Cinematic video feature
- Lock screen’s multilayered photo effect
- ‘Fluid’ dictation experience
- Share ID with apps
- Key sharing in wallet
It is important to note that Apple withheld the above-mentioned features from older versions of iPhone, such as the iPhone 7. Thankfully, the Iphone 7 still has some spectacular features that will still meet your current phone needs. However, if you want to enjoy the above-mentioned features, you might have to upgrade your iPhone model.
Is My iPhone 7 Useless If It Does Not Get iOS 16
Well, it depends on what the term ‘useless’ mean to you. However, the reality of issue is that the model will no longer get the much-needed software updates like it used to in the yesteryears. This actually applies to iPhone models that were launched in 2016 or earlier.
Since the iPhone 7 belongs to that category, be sure that it will suffer the same fate like those other models. If you have this model, its security features will not be up to date and this can compromise the data present on your phone. The model might also have some outdated security patches and so forth.
However, all these shortcomings do not make the phone less functional. With this model, you will still make calls, run apps, play mobile games, access the internet and so forth. The only risk that your device will be vulnerable to are breaches and attacks as it will no longer get the much-needed security updates. If this makes the iPhone 7 useless to you, consider upgrading to a better model.
iPhone 7 Features
The iPhone 7 comes with a number of spectacular features that will mesmerize you. Some of these features include:
- The model comes with a 4.7-inch retina IPS LCD display that is fairly large to allow you to watch YouTube content on your phone, surf the internet, play mobile games, and so much more.
- The phone runs on iOS 10.0.1 and is powered by an Apple A10 Fusion(16nm) chipset.
- When it comes to the storage section, the model does not disappoint as it comes with a 32GB ROM and 2GB ROM. With this storage in place, you can be sure that you will have ample space to store your favorite files in your phone. Besides this, your phone will hardly lag or hang due to low RAM space.
- At the front, the phone boasts of having a 7MP camera that can help you take great selfies. This camera comes with other essential features such as HDR, face detection, panorama, among other features. At the back, the phone comes with a 12MP camera and a quad-LED dual-tone flash feature. With this feature in place, you will be able to take high-quality photos and videos even in places with low light intensities.
- The model comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
- It comes with a long-lasting Li-Ion battery whose capacity is 1960 mAh.
- Unlike other models, this one does not come with a headphone jack. Instead, you will have to rely on the Lightning charging port for you to listen to your favorite music. As long as you have a dongle, you can carry your pair of wired headphones and enjoy your music on the go. Better still, consider investing in Bluetooth headphones or even Apple Airpods.
List of Missing Features on iOS 16 for iPhone 7
Although the iPhone 7 has some incredible features, the model is missing some of the critical iOS 16 beta features. Some of these crucial features include:
1. Live text
With the IOS 16, you will be able to get the much-needed updates on the live text feature of your phone. Here, you will be able to copy text from a paused video. Besides this, you will be able to translate languages and convert currencies with a single tap.
2. Lock screen’s multilayered photo effect
The iOS 16 makes your lock screen to have a different outlook. Here, the new lock screen will feature a 3D effect that shows the photo subjects in layers. The multilayered photo effects make your phone’s lock screen look more appealing to the eye.
3. Track medication with camera
With the new OS in place, your iPhone’s health app will get an update that will help you to create a list of medications. In fact, it is possible for you to scan the label of your drug using your device, and these details will be added to the Health app on the go.
4. Siri enhancements
Besides the above-mentioned features, the iOS 16 allows your iPhone’s Siri feature to get some enhancements. Here, you will be able to hang up calls, enjoy a wide range of offline commands and also utilize the discovery feature.
With the latter feature in place, you will be able to ask Siri the following, ‘Hey Siri, what do you want me to do’. Siri on the other hand will explain the right actions that you should take, depending on the context or the app that you are using.
5. Voice-activated emoji
Would you like to insert an emoji into texts that are composed by Siri? Worry no more as the IOS 16 allows you to do so with dictation. However, your device of choice has to be powered by A12 Bionic processor or later processor.
6. Visual lookup
If you are a fan of taking photos, visual lookup is one of those features that will excite you. Thankfully, this feature allows you to take photos of nearly everything that you can think of and then long process the subject of that photo. After that, you will be able to create an instant cutout and then paste it into other apps.
7. Easy sharing of your ID with relevant apps
Here, you will be able to add your state ID or driver’s license to your wallet and thus be able to verify your age or identity whenever you are using different apps. The good news is that your personal data will not be shared.
8. Live captions
If you are a deaf person or have hearing issues, this feature is the ultimate solution for you. This OS will be able to generate transcriptions of video and audio files, thereby making it easy for deaf people to learn what is going on. In fact, this is possible with facetime conversations and live videos.
9. Detection of nearby objects
The new iOS allows your phone to detect and even describe any object that is close to you. Interestingly, it can locate doors and offer instructions on how you should open them. As long as you have activated the new magnifier mode on your device, you will be good to go.
Is it Worth Buying iPhone 7 in 2023
Yes. If you are looking for a previous-gen iPhone model, consider purchasing the iPhone 7. Unlike other models, this one comes at a budget-friendly price. Initially, it used to cost about $649.
However, the model goes for about $109.If you want the 128GB model, be ready to part with $132. Finally, if you want the 256GB model, be ready to part with $175.These prices might vary depending on the individual seller, the condition of the device and the carrier involved.
As we speak, you can buy unlocked iPhone 7 and 7 plus from amazon, eBay BestBuy, among other online stores. All you need to do is to do good research and purchase from a reliable store.
Ideally, your device of choice should come with a warranty from the manufacturer. Finally, you have the luxury of purchasing unlocked iPhone 7 from reputable carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, among others.
Although the iPhone 7 might miss some critical updates in the coming days, this model possesses some of the most impressive features that you can find in any model. Besides this, the model is quite affordable and thus ideal for younger folks who want to get connected inexpensively.
Frequently Ask Questions
Which iPhone will have iOS 16?
Some of the models that will support iOS 16 include:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE(2nd and 3rd Gen)
On the other hand, here are the models that will not support iOS 16:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPod touch (7th Gen)
- iPhone SE(1st Gen)
How Many Years Will the iPhone 7 be Supported?
The iPhone 7 will be supported until this fall. In fact, it will be supported until the IOS 16 gets released. Once the iOS 16 gets released, Apple will cease signing iOS 15.5 one month after releasing the IOS 16. After this, the model might start missing some critical updates, thus making the model less useful to some users.
Will my iPhone 7 work with 5G?
Unfortunately, iPhone 7 does not work with 5G; it has 3G and 4G/LTE capability. iPhone 13, iPhone 12 models, and iPhone SE (3rd generation) work with 5G.