Does Apple Still Sell the iPhone 7 in 2026?
No, Apple discontinued the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models way back in September 2018. After a good 2 year run, Apple stopped manufacturing and selling the iPhone 7 when it was replaced by the release of the new iPhone XS and XR models.
So if you‘re wondering – can I still buy a brand new iPhone 7 in 2024? The answer is no. Major cell carriers and third party retailers also no longer sell these phones.
However, even though it was discontinued over 4 years ago, used and refurbished iPhone 7 devices remain available through various resale outlets. And they are still supported by Apple with software updates for now.
But should you actually buy a secondhand iPhone 7 in 2024? Or is it too outdated at this point? Keep reading this detailed guide to learn everything you need to know about the current state of the iPhone 7 and whether it‘s still worth buying 6+ years after its release.
How Much is a Used iPhone 7 Worth in 2024?
Since you can‘t buy the iPhone 7 new anymore, let‘s start by looking at the current street value of used and refurbished models.
When first released back in 2016, the iPhone 7 started at $649 for the 32GB version. Obviously it has depreciated significantly in the 6+ years since.
Here is an overview of used iPhone 7 price ranges in 2024 from popular resale sites:
| Site | Used iPhone 7 Price |
|---|---|
| eBay (unlocked) | $55 – $150 |
| Decluttr | $28 – $73 |
| Gazelle | $20 – $70 |
| Swappa (unlocked) | $35 – $120 |
Prices vary based on factors like:
- Storage – Higher capacity 128GB versions worth more than 32GB.
- Color – Some colors like Jet Black or Product Red are rare.
- Condition – Units with cracked screens much cheaper than pristine.
- Carrier Locked – Unlocked phones worth more than carrier-locked.
On average, most used iPhone 7 models sell for around $50 – $100 these days. A higher capacity 128GB version in like new condition might still fetch $100 – $150.
But keep in mind, when the iPhone 7 was just 2 years old in 2018, used prices were still around $200 – $300. So it has lost over 75% of its value in the last 4 years as it has become increasingly outdated.
And unfortunately, that value will continue to drop. Here are my predictions for iPhone 7 used prices over the next couple years if current trends continue:
- 2023: $50 – $100 average price
- 2024: $30 – $80 average price
- 2025: Under $50 average price
So in summary – the used market value of the iPhone 7 in 2024 is quite low and will only become cheaper as it ages further.
Why You Should Not Buy an iPhone 7 in 2024
Now that we‘ve established the iPhone 7 sells for around $50 – $100 used in 2024, you may be tempted by those low prices. But there are many reasons we don‘t recommend buying an iPhone 7 right now:
It is very outdated compared to new budget models:
The iPhone 7 lacks many features standard in modern smartphones:
- No wireless charging
- Small 4.7" screen with big bezels
- Huge camera bump with just one basic lens
- No Face ID facial recognition
The specs are ancient by 2023 standards:
- A10 Fusion chip is 6 years old – very slow!
- Just 2GB RAM – most new phones have 4GB+
- 32GB maximum storage – not enough!
- 4G LTE only – no 5G capability
Won‘t get full software support much longer:
- Currently up to iOS 15 (released 2022)
- Won‘t get iOS 16 coming Fall 2022
- Estimated end of security updates around September 2022
You‘ll miss out on 6 years of progress:
Compare iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 14 specs:
| Spec | iPhone 7 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2022 |
| Display | 4.7" LCD | 6.1" OLED |
| Camera | 12MP single | 12MP + 12MP dual |
| Chip | A10 Fusion | A15 Bionic |
| 5G | No | Yes |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
As you can see, the iPhone 14 is superior to the iPhone 7 in literally every way imaginable after 6 years of progress.
Sure you can save some money up front with the iPhone 7. But you are sacrificing a lot of features, power, and longevity buying such an outdated device in 2024.
Better Budget iPhone Options
Instead of buying an ancient iPhone 7 in 2024, I strongly recommend you consider these much better budget iPhone alternatives:
iPhone SE (2022) – $429
While still affordable, the SE 2022 offers:
- New A15 chip – blazing fast!
- Wireless charging capability
- 5G connectivity
- 4-5 years of software support
iPhone XR – $499
Just $100 more than an SE, the XR gives you:
- Bigger 6.1" LCD display
- Portrait photos and Face ID from TrueDepth camera
- Faster A12 processor than iPhone 7
- Still supported with iOS 15 in 2022
Refurbished iPhone 11 – $469
Only slightly above iPhone 7 prices, the refurbished iPhone 11 provides:
- Dual cameras with Night mode
- Brighter 6.1" LCD display
- A13 Bionic chip is exponentially faster
- Has wireless charging
Any of those options deliver far better value and longevity than an obsolete iPhone 7 in 2024. They are absolutely worth spending a little extra money on up front.
Should I Just Keep Using My Current iPhone 7?
If you already own an iPhone 7, you may be wondering how much life it has left and whether you should upgrade in 2024.
Here are my opinions on continuing to use an iPhone 7 versus upgrading this year:
You should upgrade your iPhone 7 if:
- You find it too slow and laggy for the apps you use
- You need more than 32GB storage space
- You want new features like portrait photos or 5G
- You want a bigger, bezel-less display with Face ID
- You desire much better front & rear cameras
- You want 4-5 more years of full software support
Sticking with your iPhone 7 makes sense if:
- It‘s still fast enough for your needs
- You don‘t take many photos or videos
- You primarily use apps like calls, texts, email, web
- You don‘t want to spend much money right now
- You plan to replace in the next 1-2 years anyway
My advice is to upgrade if you want modern features and long term usability. But holding onto an iPhone 7 through 2023 is fine if it meets your basic needs for another year or so.
Just keep in mind it will continue to lose functionality and app compatibility over time without the latest software updates. So you risk it becoming obsolete sooner rather than later.
Will Carriers Stop Supporting the iPhone 7 in 2024?
The iPhone 7 relies on 4G LTE cellular connectivity. Major US carriers like Verizon and AT&T have stated they will operate their 4G networks through at least the end of 2025.
So you should be able to continue using an iPhone 7 on most carriers here in the US for at least 2-3 more years.
However, there are a few caveats:
- No 5G access – The iPhone 7 will be limited to 4G LTE speeds and coverage.
- Network transitions – As 3G networks shut down in 2022, coverage gaps may start to occur.
- Plan incompatibility – Some data plans may require 5G capable devices.
The safest bet to ensure network compatibility through 2025 and beyond is to upgrade to a newer iPhone with 5G. But you can probably get by with an iPhone 7 on 4G networks only for a little while longer.
Just don‘t expect cellular carriers to provide much support or accommodation for such an outdated device. Your coverage and performance may suffer compared to newer iPhones.
Will Apple Stop Supporting and Updates for the iPhone 7 Soon?
Yes, Apple will halt software updates for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in 2022:
- Currently supported up to iOS 15 (released 2022)
- Will NOT receive iOS 16 expected September 2022
- Estimated end of security updates around September 2022
So if you get an iPhone 7 now, it will essentially have less than a year of usable life left when it comes to full iOS support.
Once Apple stops updates, your iPhone 7 will become increasingly insecure and lose app functionality over time. It‘s tough to recommend buying a phone with such a short support lifespan remaining.
Again, you‘re far better off spending a little more for a used iPhone XR or iPhone 11 that will still be fully supported with updates for multiple years.
Takeaway: Don‘t Buy an iPhone 7 in 2024
To summarize clearly – I don‘t recommend buying an iPhone 7 in 2024.
While you can find used iPhone 7 devices selling for around $50 – $100 these days, it‘s a short sighted purchase in my opinion.
Due to its age, the iPhone 7 has outdated processing power, camera, display, connectivity, and features compared to most modern smartphones.
And with Apple discontinuing software support in 2022, it has very limited future proofing remaining as well.
You can get so much more phone for just a little more money by choosing a used iPhone 11, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE 2022 instead. Their added performance and longevity make those models a smarter buy.
Of course everyone‘s needs and budgets differ. An iPhone 7 can still work fine as a basic communication device into early 2024 or 2025 if you want extreme affordability.
But most buyers will be happier investing in a newer generation iPhone, even if pre-owned, for the better overall user experience and long term usability.
Hopefully this guide has clearly outlined the current status of the iPhone 7 in 2024. Let me know if you have any other questions!