In 2026, the iPhone 7 might catch your attention because of its rock-bottom price — or maybe you found an old listing or a hand-me-down offer. For budget-conscious shoppers or those looking for a basic backup phone, it's a tempting deal. But just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth it. Before you decide, let’s break down whether the iPhone 7 is still a smart purchase today.
The iPhone 7 was first released in September 2016. That marks its 10-year anniversary in 2026. In the fast-moving world of smartphones, ten years is an eternity. Most iPhones are supported by Apple for about 5 to 6 years after launch. In 2026, the iPhone 7 is well past that window.
No. It lost access to major iOS upgrades in 2022, when Apple released iOS 16, which skipped the iPhone 7 entirely. This means the device was capped at iOS 15 and no longer gets:
Although Apple released a critical security update for iOS 15 in January 2026, it doesn’t change the fact that the iPhone 7 is outdated for most apps. If you’re still using an iPhone 7, you’re stuck on an older iOS version that many developers no longer optimize for.
Still thinking about using an iPhone 7? Here are the main downsides to be aware of:
In short, the iPhone 7 is no longer equipped to handle the demands of modern apps, networks, and usage habits.
While you might occasionally come across a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 7, it’s becoming harder to find — and for good reason. At UpTrade, our Price Tracker shows that most certified sellers no longer carry this model. Even when it's available, we don’t recommend buying it.
The lack of iOS support means you’re using a phone that’s not only outdated, but also more vulnerable to security issues and less compatible with apps and services you likely use every day.
More importantly, you can get much newer models like the iPhone SE 3rd Gen, starting at $130+. It’s not a good deal to buy the iPhone 7 anymore in 2026. That’s why we encourage shoppers to consider newer, more reliable options that still receive Apple’s support.
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2022 |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A15 Bionic |
| iOS Support | No (Capped at iOS 15) | Yes (Supports iOS 26) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Touch ID / Face ID | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hrs video playback | Up to 15 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Price in 2026 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | Not Available | $130+ |
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2020 |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A14 Bionic |
| iOS Support | No (Capped at iOS 15) | Yes (Supports iOS 26) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Touch ID / Face ID | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hrs video playback | Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Price in 2026 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | Not Available | $150+ |
The iPhone 11 also supports iOS 26 and was on our recommendation list last year. However, according to our UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 has dropped to the same price level as the iPhone 11 in 2026. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to choose the iPhone 11 when you can get the iPhone 12 at the same price.
The iPhone 7 had a long and successful run, but in 2026, it’s simply too outdated to recommend. With iOS 15's limitations, buyers face compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.
Best Alternative: The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), starting at $130+, offers cutting-edge performance with the A15 chip and 5G support while keeping the compact 4.7-inch design.
2nd Option: For those willing to spend slightly more, the iPhone 12 adds a stunning OLED display, 5G, and a modern premium design for about $150+.
If you’re looking for a Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone in 2026, skip the iPhone 7. Investing in one of these newer alternatives will give you years of updates, better performance, and far greater value.
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 7 models can be found for under $100, but it is not recommended due to lack of iOS support.
No. The iPhone 7 is limited to iOS 15, which was released in 2021. It does not support the newest iOS 26.
The iPhone 7 is outdated, lacks security updates, has weaker performance, and faces app compatibility issues. Its battery and hardware are also far past their prime.
Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone SE (3rd Gen), starting at $130+, is the best alternative. iPhone 12, starting at $150+, is another good option. They both support iOS 26 and deliver much better performance and features.
Absolutely yes. The SE 3rd Gen has the A15 Bionic chip, supports 5G, runs iOS 26, and offers years of updates — far beyond what the iPhone 7 can handle.
Absolutely. The iPhone 11 has a larger screen, dual cameras, the faster A13 chip, and iOS 26 support, making it a far superior device for $150+. However, Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 has dropped to the same price level. You may want to consider upgrading.
Yes. The good news is that Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 has dropped to the same price as iPhone 11 in 2026. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer to choose iPhone 12.
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple.
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