I am thinking about getting a used iPhone 7 Plus for my youngest son - how much longer do you all think Apple will provide iOS upgrades for this model? I can go up to the 8 Plus but not sure I want to spend the extra cash at this point. TIA.
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iPhone 7/Plus Thoughts on future iOS upgrades for iPhone 7 Plus?
- Thread starter motm95
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iPhone 7 and 7+ will get for sure iOS 15, probably will be launched in September 2021. So you will get at least 2 years from now of full software support.
Once iOS 16 will be out, iPhone 7 would probably be not compatible but if there is any security/exploit issue, Apple will update older iOS version (for sure at least iOS 15) too just to patch any major security breach.
So in short, from just a pure software perspective, you will be 100% perfect until Sept 2022 and then if you don't get iOS 16 you will get only update on iOS 15 for security issues. In real world use, that mean probably at least 3 years from now before some apps starts being unoptimised or not working on your iPhone 7+.
It can be a good device to start at a very competitive price in iOS ecosystem. If you choose an used device, do not hesitate to replace the battery if it is used.
If you have a bit more budget, an SE 2020 could be a very good choice and you can be sure it will works fine for 5 years.
Once iOS 16 will be out, iPhone 7 would probably be not compatible but if there is any security/exploit issue, Apple will update older iOS version (for sure at least iOS 15) too just to patch any major security breach.
So in short, from just a pure software perspective, you will be 100% perfect until Sept 2022 and then if you don't get iOS 16 you will get only update on iOS 15 for security issues. In real world use, that mean probably at least 3 years from now before some apps starts being unoptimised or not working on your iPhone 7+.
It can be a good device to start at a very competitive price in iOS ecosystem. If you choose an used device, do not hesitate to replace the battery if it is used.
If you have a bit more budget, an SE 2020 could be a very good choice and you can be sure it will works fine for 5 years.
It's not like an iPhone is unusable the day it can't be upgrade to the next iOS version. Based on past history, an iPhone will be able to do everything for at least three years after its been cut off. For example, there's millions of iPhones out in the wild right now running iOS 11 with no problems
I have the 7+ and it gets IOS15 for sure but I Think it won't get IOS 16
Avoid the iPhone 7 series, they are full of issues that creep up once they’re out of warranty.
If you’re worried about long term support, get him an iPhone SE. If you have ATT or Verizon, you can get one through Walmart’s website for $199
If you’re worried about long term support, get him an iPhone SE. If you have ATT or Verizon, you can get one through Walmart’s website for $199
I would say the 7 would get at least iOS 15 maybe 16 as well. I would suggest getting an iPhone SE 2nd generation for future proofing although there isn’t a plus version. As someone has mentioned previously the phone will still work perfectly fine after it doesn’t get updates so the 7 plus is still a good purchase at the moment.
Considering Apple sells new devices with A10 chip in 2019 (last gen 9.7" iPad and iPod Touch) along with A10X products, I would bet that the 7 will still get iOS 16. It's probably too slow and too old by that time, but the option is there, and we should appreciate it.
iPhone SE is a great option with (so far) the latest chip, but it lacks the 5.5" option. If Apple sells SE+ it would be a killer deal for me.
My daily phone is an iPhone 7Plus. I expect 1-2 more years. Also, I have never had a problem with mine. I bought a thin Speck case for it and cheap glass screen protectors. The glasswork screen protectors broke a number of times but the actual screen is untouched. I'm happy with it. 
HelloMy daily phone is an iPhone 7Plus. I expect 1-2 more years. Also, I have never had a problem with mine. I bought a thin Speck case for it and cheap glass screen protectors. The glasswork screen protectors broke a number of times but the actual screen is untouched. I'm happy with it.
Do you still have your iphone 7+? What OS is it on and how is it thus far from last year.
I have a iphone 7 plus but running ios 10 hence the question.
I was going to upgrade to 14.8. But that isnt available. Its showing the new ios 15.
Have you upgraded to that?
Currently on iOS 15.0. Safari seems a bit faster than in iOS14. And no noticeable issues. I did replace the battery during the battery fiasco. I thought about replacing it again but it is at 85% health.
I had thought about upgrading to the iPhone 13 but I can't really see a huge reason to do so beyond speed (and maybe camera). And as they say every year, "next year will be a big change."
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Thank you for replying back.
For me stability is a concern over speed especially on older devices. I know it will never be as fast as it was out of the box. I don't mind it taking a second extra to load something as long as its stable.
I don't upgrade every year. I will only get a new phone when the old one becomes unuseable. I believe the iphone 7 plus has around 4 years of life left maybe more. Depends on app support etc.
My iPhone 7+ is running iOS 15 well but seems to be eating the battery faster than iOS 14. I’ve let it settle for a few days before making this assessment. I just upgraded the wife from a iPhone 6S to iPhone 13 Pro and there is no comparison between the 7 and the 13 when it comes to battery life (or anything else for that matter, other than Touch ID because of COVID). Most likely will have to upgrade my 7+ next year when the iPhone 14 comes out. Wanted to hold out until iPhone 15 but the wife’s 13 is putting my 7+ to shame and is really making me want to upgrade. Both the 6S and 7+ were purchased new when it launched and have had their batteries changed (by moi) so they’ve served us well and is a testament on how superior Apple products are compared to Android (I had a Nexus 6P and was all Android before that).
Just replaced my launch day 6s plus with a 13 pro max. The back camera focus has been broken for two years and the battery was replaced once, however it is pretty incredible the phone lasted a good 6 years and still running the latest iOS. No way anyone could say that with Android.
Happy to see a lot of you is still holding onto the 7+, I used to upgrade every 1-2 but my 7+ has been so good I pretty much keep it around until now. I dropped this on concrete like 30 times. Having said that the battery has been replaced once and it's dying again.
Games are a bit slow, so depending whether or not the OP wants the son to play games on their phones or not. I can't really use it to play games anymore but everything else is ok.
CMIIW but I think iPhone is guaranteed for software updates for 5 years? So I think it'll probably be good for another year.
Games are a bit slow, so depending whether or not the OP wants the son to play games on their phones or not. I can't really use it to play games anymore but everything else is ok.
CMIIW but I think iPhone is guaranteed for software updates for 5 years? So I think it'll probably be good for another year.