The iPhone 7 was released in 2016, the same time when iOS 10 was introduced. Since then, Apple has continuously upgraded its iOS and introduced new iPhones. Fast forward to 2023 and the release of iOS 16, a lot of iPhone enthusiasts are asking, “is iPhone 7 still supported by this new OS?”, “Is Apple getting rid of iPhone 7?”
In this article, we will take a look at what iPhone models are eligible for an iOS 16 update and whether Apple will support older versions of the iPhone, such as the iPhone 7, with its newest operating system. This will help you decide whether it is time to upgrade your iPhone to a later models.
Can You Get iOS 16 on iPhone 7?
No. If you are an iPhone 7 user, this may be bad news for you as iOS 16 does not support iPhone models older than iPhone 8.
Here is a list of the iPhone models that can’t be updated to iOS 16:
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st-generation)
- Any iPhone older than 6s
The fact that the iPhone 7 and older models cannot run the latest iOS is not a bad thing because the phones will still serve their purpose. Users who own an iPhone 7 or an older version can still receive the latest available iOS for them, but it’s not a guarantee that there will be more.
Another downside is they might not be safe from hacking. With the rollout of the iOS 16 updates, security updates are not made available to these iPhone models anymore. Given that, these iPhone devices will be easy targets for viruses and other attacks.
Which iPhone Models Still Get Updates?
Many iPhone models are still compatible with latest iOS 16 update. Below is the supported devices list for the latest iOS 16 update.
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd-generation and later)
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 plus, iPhone 14 pro, iPhone 14 max
Will iPhone 7 Work In 2023?
All iPhone models, including iPhone 7, will still work in 2023. Even if you can’t upgrade to iOS 16, the iOs 15 is still a good, stable, and functional version of the OS. They can still be used to make calls, run apps, use it for texting, and use the browser as long as the hardware is still functional.
But because iPhone 7 won’t update to iOS 16, they are now vulnerable to attacks and breaches as they can’t get a security update anymore. Additionally, since these iPhone models will no longer update to iOS16, they won’t be able to get new features, enhancements, app updates, and more in the next coming years.
Why Won’t My iPhone 7 Update at All?
Your iPhone 7 won’t update because of several reasons:
- 🗃️ Not enough storage space. To complete an update, your phone needs to have enough space to download the new software. For example, the iOS 15.7 update will require you to have approximately 2GB of free space. So if you see that you already have full storage, make sure to delete all unnecessary files on your iPhone before doing an update.
- ⚙️ A software glitch hinders the update. One possible scenario is there’s an active little background program running. Restarting your phone can help solve this software glitch.
- 📈 Your iPhone is not eligible for an update. As discussed above in this article, iPhone 7 and older models do not qualify for an iOS 16 update. Maybe you just do not have any new version to which you can update.
- 🪫 Your iPhone might have a low battery. Charging your iPhone first to up to 50% to download an update is advisable.
- 📶 Poor internet connection. A software update requires a stable internet connection. Make sure your WiFI will not be disconnected, and if you can, avoid downloading other content that may interfere with your internet’s speed.
These are just a few of the many reasons why your iPhone 7 won’t get any updates. If you are not experiencing any of these but still having trouble updating the OS of your iPhone 7, you can contact Apple Support for help.
FAQs
iPhone 7 users will still get updates for iOS 15, if there will be any.
The latest version of iOS to support the iPhone 7 is iOS 15.7.2.
iPhone 7 was launched on September 16, 2016. Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were made available in 25 countries and that was the first time that Apple made an iPhone with a dual camera setting. Throughout that time, these phones had a wealth of innovative features that improved how iPhones are used daily.
Conclusion
In this day and age, it is important that our phones are secured from hackers and attackers. Considering the fact that iPhone 7 and older models of iPhones won’t get any iOS updates from Apple anymore, maybe it is time to consider upgrading your devices to a later iPhone model to enjoy the features of its latest iOS update.
