In 2025, 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 seems like 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 makes it 9 years old in 2025. In the fast-moving world of smartphones, nine years is an eternity. Most iPhones are supported by Apple for about 5 to 6 years after launch. By 2025, the iPhone 7 is well past that window.
No, the iPhone 7 is no longer supported by Apple. It lost access to major iOS updates in 2022, when Apple released iOS 16—which skipped the iPhone 7 entirely. This means the device no longer gets:
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 The lack of iOS support means you’re using a phone that’s not only outdated, but also more vulnerable to security issues and less compatible with apps and services you likely use every day.
The bottom line? You're not saving money if the phone becomes frustrating or unusable within months. That’s why we encourage shoppers to consider newer, more reliable options that still get Apple’s support.
Before you commit to an older iPhone, it’s worth seeing how the iPhone 7 stacks up against newer budget-friendly models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. Below is a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Chipset | A10 Fusion | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 4.7" LCD | 6.1" LCD | 6.1" OLED |
| Camera System | Single 12MP rear | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Face ID | No | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Support | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 17 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| iOS Support in 2025 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price (2025) | Rare / Varies | $140 | $170 |
The iPhone 11 is perfect for anyone who wants a reliable phone with excellent performance without breaking the bank.
If you want something with a longer shelf life and better screen quality, the iPhone 12 is an ideal upgrade for just a bit more.
You might be wondering: what about the iPhone XS? It’s still supported, right?
Yes, the iPhone XS technically still receives iOS updates in 2025—but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
At that point, you’re better off choosing the iPhone 11, which gives you longer software support, better battery life, and an improved camera system. That’s why, at UpTrade, we recommend skipping the iPhone XS and going straight to the 11 or 12 for better value and peace of mind.
If you're thinking about buying an iPhone 7 in 2025, our advice is simple: don’t. It’s no longer supported by Apple, struggles with app compatibility, and delivers outdated performance. Even if you find a Certified Used iPhone 7, it's not a good long-term investment.
Instead, we strongly recommend looking at newer alternatives like the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 (starting at $140) or the iPhone 12 (starting at $170). Both offer vastly better performance, longer software support, and modern features like Face ID, better cameras, and stronger battery life. And with UpTrade’s Price Tracker, you can compare certified used listings from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple—all in one place.
Save yourself the frustration. Spend a little more upfront, and enjoy a much better iPhone experience.
Certified Used iPhone 7 models are very rare in 2025. When available, it’s most likely below $100 depending on condition, but most certified sellers have stopped offering them altogether.
Yes, but only for basic tasks like calling, texting, or light web browsing. Without software updates, its usability is severely limited.
Some might, but many will not update or function properly due to the outdated iOS. Over time, this problem will only get worse.
Not really. Without security patches, the phone is more vulnerable to malware, hacks, and data leaks.
No. Apple stopped releasing iOS updates for the iPhone 7 in 2022. That means no new features, bug fixes, or security patches in 2025.
It means Apple no longer provides software updates, security patches, or technical support for the iPhone 7. Over time, this leads to poor app compatibility and higher security risks.
As of 2025, the iPhone 11 is the most budget-friendly model still supported by Apple—and it starts around $140 on UpTrade.
We don’t recommend it. While it's still supported, its software lifespan may end soon, and it costs about the same as the iPhone 11, which offers better value.
Visit UpTrade to compare prices on certified used and refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple—all in one place.
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