The iPhone 7 was the phone that removed the headphone jack and somehow survived the outrage. In hindsight, it was also one of Apple's most refined designs — IP67 water resistance, an improved haptic home button that felt better than the mechanical ones it replaced, and a camera that genuinely competed with Android flagships of its time.
In 2026, it's stuck on iOS 15. The iOS 15 story is now familiar: a growing number of apps require iOS 16, the ceiling is getting lower, and the question is how much longer it remains a viable daily driver.
The iPhone 7 in 2026 — What You're Working With
The 7 runs the A10 Fusion chip with 2GB RAM (3GB on the Plus). This is a meaningful step above the 6s's A9 — the A10 is the same chip used in the iPad 6th and 7th gen, which we rate as capable devices for 2026. The 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilisation and f/1.8 aperture was excellent for its era and holds up reasonably well. The haptic home button is genuinely good — many people prefer it to Face ID unlock for one-handed use.
The key advantage over the 6s: IP67 water resistance. Accidental splashes, rain, and bathroom counter moments are no longer a crisis. This alone makes the 7 more durable as a daily driver than the 6s.
💡 iPhone 7 Plus: Same chip, same iOS ceiling, but 3GB RAM, a 5.5" screen, and the dual-camera system that introduced Portrait Mode on iPhone. The Plus commands a small price premium on eBay but is worth it if you use the camera heavily.
What Works Well on iOS 15
The iPhone 7's app situation mirrors the 6s — same operating system ceiling, slightly better performance underneath. The practical daily-use apps on iOS 15:
- WhatsApp — iOS 15.1+. Core messaging works.
- BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 — UK streaming still supported on iOS 15.
- Apple Maps, Google Maps — both work fine.
- Podcasts, Apple Music — native apps fully functional.
- Camera and Photos — the 7's camera hardware is the same regardless of iOS; shooting and editing in the native apps works well.
- Mail, Safari, Notes — all native apps perform well on iOS 15.
- Games — broad catalogue of older and well-maintained titles. See our iOS 15 games guide.
What's Gone
The same limitations as the 6s apply — YouTube app (iOS 16+), Spotify (iOS 16+), Instagram (iOS 16+), most banking apps, Google Chrome, and increasingly any app released or significantly updated in 2025–2026.
The headphone jack is famously absent. You'll need Lightning EarPods (Apple includes them), a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter (about £5–8), or Bluetooth headphones. This is 2026 — Bluetooth is likely your preference anyway.
The iPhone 7 vs iPhone 6s: Which to Choose?
If you're choosing between a used 6s and used 7 at similar prices, the 7 wins on almost every dimension: better chip (A10 vs A9), same iOS ceiling, water resistance, and a meaningfully better camera. The 6s has a headphone jack, which matters if you have wired headphones you're not ready to give up.
On eBay in July 2026, the iPhone 7 32GB typically runs £30–50 in Good condition. The 7 Plus commands £40–65. The 6s runs £20–35. The £10–15 premium for the 7 is justified.
Is It Worth Buying in 2026?
As a primary phone: only if your app requirements are very limited and you're comfortable with the iOS 15 ceiling. Banking apps and social media are the key tests — if yours work on iOS 15, the phone is functional. If they don't, the friction is daily.
As a secondary, travel, or kids' device: genuinely good value. The water resistance makes it more robust than older iPhones for active use. The camera is sufficient for casual photography. The A10 handles everything you'd ask of a secondary phone.
Looking to upgrade? A refurbished iPhone 11 at around £180–220 on Amazon Renewed is the natural step up — iOS 26 capable, dramatically better camera, Face ID.
Our verdict
The iPhone 7 is the best of the iOS 15 iPhones — better chip, water resistance, and camera than the 6s. As a daily driver it faces the same iOS 15 headwinds, but the improved hardware buys it a little more grace. At £30–50 refurbished it remains a legitimate spare, travel, or secondary device in 2026.
Find apps for your iPhone 7
Filter by iOS 15 to see what's still compatible — sorted by rating.
Browse iPhone 7 apps →Also see: iPhone 6s in 2026 · Best cheap Apple refurbs