Yes, an iPhone 7 will still be able to function in 2023. It may not have access to the latest iOS updates, but it should still be able to perform basic functions such as making calls and receiving texts.
Mainstream software support for the iPhone 7 was dropped when iOS 16 was released. But, it still receives iOS 15 security updates (as of July 24, 2023). The current version of iOS to support iPhone 7 is iOS 15.7. 8.
With a few exceptions, Apple supports all their products until 5 years after they are discontinued. The iPhone 7 was discontinued in September of 2017, and will be supported until September of 2022.
The iPhone 6S was introduced in 2015, making it obsolete between 2020 and 2023. The iPhone 7 was introduced in 2016, making it obsolete between 2021 and 2023. The iPhone 8 was introduced in 2017, making it obsolete between 2023 and 2024.
Although these theories have become incredibly common, there's no truth behind the rumors. Apple is not killing its older models, but the company did release an update that is urgent for users with older models.
How long does Apple support iOS? As of 2023, Apple supports the last two versions of its operating systems for bug and security updates: iOS 16 and iOS 15. All phones that could run iOS 14 and iOS 13 are able to run iOS 15, so that means all phones from iPhone 6s forwards are supported.
There could be more than one reason why your iPhone 7 won't turn on. For instance, it could be due to low battery or sudden software crash that may be preventing the iPhone 7 Series from booting up. Not to mention, the problem could also be related to hardware.
When Apple moved from iOS 15 to iOS 16, two years' worth of handsets were suddenly incompatible, including iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Even so, if you have the iPhone X, 8 or 8 Plus, it ain't great news.
The other models that are expecting certain discontinuation are iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, as Apple is discontinue these versions from all previous iPhones. Tech experts are suggesting that iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 14 Plus may also get discontinued or at least a sharp reduction in their prices is expected.
The 2023 iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to feature USB-C instead of Lightning, new periscope camera technology, A17 chips, and more.
Any iPhone older than the iPhone 8 will not support iOS 16, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Many people on Twitter were surprised by this, because many expected at least the iPhone 7 Plus to support iOS 16. Instead, the iPhone 7 series and some older models will only support up to iOS 15.
iPhone 7, 7 Plus. If you have an iPhone 7, it's time to upgrade. It's more than 6 years old, and it shows in everything from the processor to the camera and storage space. The iPhone 7 doesn't support iOS 16, providing even more incentive for acquiring a newer device.
iPhones with the Model Number A1660 (sold in China, Hong Kong, Macao, and the US), A1780 (sold in China), and A1779 (sold in Japan) are eligible. You can simply turn your phone around to check for the model number on the back to determine if you are affected.
However, once iOS 16 is released and the iPhone 7 Plus is no longer eligible for software updates, it will also no longer receive security updates.
If you are an iPhone 7 user, you can replace it by 2024 September as it's the last date for the iOS update of your phone. If your iPhone 7 faces any software crash or security threat in the year 2025, you are only completely responsible for it.
With a starting price of around $100 — the iPhone 8 is very affordable. The iPhone 8 runs iOS 16 and still has a lot of the features of newer iPhones. The iPhone 8 is expected to get upgraded to iOS 17 in late 2023.
In fact, the iPhone 8 received the most recent iOS 16.3. 1 update on Feb 13, 2023. However, keep in mind that Apple only supports software updates up to 6 years after the original release of the device, so the iPhone 8 will likely stop receiving updates by 2024.
If you want to keep using an iPhone for as many years as possible, avoid buying models that are more than a year old; these models will get cut off from major iOS upgrades sooner than newer devices, which will make them unsafe to use in a much shorter timeframe.
On average, Apple supports each iPhone model for around six or more years. Earlier models, such as the 5/5C, only support up to iOS 10, while iPhone 6/6 Plus goes up to iOS 12. The iPhone 6S/6S Plus and later versions go up to the most recent version of iOS 15.
Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.
Top analyst and long-time industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple expects to replace the iPhone in just 10 years – by 2032. In its place would be an AR device – that's augmented reality.
The iPhone of 2027 will not resemble the iPhone of today. In fact, it might not even be a handheld device. “The idea of a phone that does digital stuff, that searches the Internet, that you use for calls, emails, and social media, it will be transformed into a much more dynamic platform,” says Canton.