Will the iPhone 7 Still Work in 2024? A Thorough Look at What to Expect
As an avid mobile gamer and content creator, staying on top of the latest smartphone developments is a must for me. And a question I get asked often is – will my iPhone 7 still work properly in 2024?
The short answer is yes – your iPhone 7 will still power on and function for calls, texts, apps and more this year. But its capabilities will be limited compared to newer iPhones. Let‘s dive into the details!
Software Support and Updates
iOS support is the biggest factor in determining how well an older iPhone will work. iPhones generally receive major iOS updates for 5-7 years after release before Apple ceases support.
The iPhone 7 launched in September 2016, meaning its estimated end of iOS support is between 2021-2023. Here are the key software milestones:
- Last major iOS version supported: iOS 15 (Released Sept 2021)
- Currently receives iOS 15 security updates, but not new features
- iOS 15.7.3 (January 2023) is the final iOS version for iPhone 7
- Apple announced the iPhone 7 will NOT support iOS 16, releasing Fall 2022
So while the iPhone 7 will miss out on iOS 16 and later features, it should continue receiving critical security patches throughout 2023.
iOS 16 Compatible Devices:
| Device | Release Year | Years of Support |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14/14 Plus | 2022 | TBD |
| iPhone 13/13 Mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max | 2021 | TBD |
| iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max | 2020 | TBD |
| iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max | 2019 | 4+ years |
| iPhone XS/XS Max | 2018 | 5 years |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | 5 years |
| iPhone X | 2017 | 6 years |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | 2017 | 6 years |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | 2016 | 6 years |
Data source: Apple, 2023
How does lack of updates impact real-world use? From my experience, iPhone 7 users will miss out on major camera upgrades, new emoji reactions, widgets and other iOS 16 enhancements.
But for essential tasks like phone calls, web browsing and basic apps, you can still get by on iOS 15 in 2024. Just don‘t expect the latest and greatest iOS capabilities.
According to analytics firm Mixpanel, as of January 2023, about 92% of active iOS devices run iOS 15 or later. So most apps should remain compatible with iOS 15 through 2023. But some newer apps may begin dropping iOS 15 support this year as adoption declines.
iPhone 7 Hardware in 2024
The iPhone 7 will be 6-7 years old in 2024. How does its aging hardware impact performance compared to today‘s models? Let‘s compare some key specs.
| Spec | iPhone 7 | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2022 |
| Display | 4.7" LCD | 6.1′′ OLED |
| Resolution | 750 x 1334 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Refresh Rate | 60hz | 120hz |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 48MP |
| Battery Life | 14 hours video playback | 23 hours video playback |
| Processor | Apple A10 | Apple A16 |
| Storage | 32/128/256GB | 128/256/512GB/1TB |
Data source: Apple, 2023
The iPhone 7 is clearly outdated in areas like display quality, camera, battery life and performance compared to the latest iPhones.
For casual use like messaging, music or even some mobile games, the iPhone 7 hardware remains decent. But intensive apps and games may struggle due to aging components. And the camera, screen and battery are well behind 2022-2023 standards.
If mobile photography, sharp displays and all-day battery are important, upgrading from an iPhone 7 would provide massive improvements after 6-7 years of progress. But on a budget, it can get the job done.
Network Compatibility
Will iPhone 7 work on modern cell networks in 2024? Here‘s what to expect:
4G LTE – The iPhone 7 supports 4G LTE, which will remain active in most countries through 2023 and beyond. You‘ll get decent LTE speeds.
5G – Next-gen 5G networks are not supported. Only iPhone 12 and newer models work with 5G.
3G Shutdowns – Some carriers like AT&T plan to discontinue 3G networks in 2022-2023. But this shouldn‘t impact the iPhone 7 which also has 4G LTE.
CDMA Networks – Verizon and Sprint‘s CDMA networks will shut down by end of 2022. iPhone 7 models sold by CDMA carriers may require a carrier update to enable broader compatibility.
The iPhone 7 misses out on super-fast 5G. But it should still work fine for calls and 4G LTE data across most major networks in 2024. Just check with your carrier about network updates.
According to GlobalData forecasts, 4G LTE will remain the dominant network technology globally through 2023. 5G reaches just 15% of mobile subscriptions worldwide by 2023. So LTE-only phones like iPhone 7 will still work reliably for most people.
Should I Upgrade from My iPhone 7 in 2024?
As a long-time iPhone user, I don‘t necessarily think lack of updates makes iPhone 7 obsolete in 2024. It can absolutely get the job done for casual use cases.
But there are some clear advantages to upgrading such as:
- Vastly improved camera, display and battery life
- Smoother performance and 5G speeds
- 4-5 years of future software support
- Access to cutting-edge iOS 16 capabilities
For me as a mobile gamer, upgrades like the 120hz display and A16 chip on the iPhone 14 Pro are game-changing. Mobile photography is also lightyears ahead with the 48MP camera.
But not everyone needs the latest tech. Given how reliable iPhones tend to be, an iPhone 7 can likely last another year or two if treated with care. Just temper expectations around new features and app support as its iOS version falls behind.
My advice is to weigh your budget, how you use your phone, and which new features matter most. I hope this in-depth look at the iPhone 7 in 2024 helps you decide! Let me know if you have any other questions.
