eleased in September 2016, the iPhone 7 marked a significant shift in Apple’s smartphone strategy. It wasn’t just a continuation of the iPhone series—it was a bold leap into the future, laying the foundation for many features seen in today’s iPhones. Though now considered a legacy device, the iPhone 7 remains an important part of Apple’s evolution, with a design and feature set that redefined expectations at the time.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 7 retained the same general design language as its predecessors, the iPhone 6 and 6s. However, it introduced several key changes that made it stand out. One of the most noticeable updates was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which sparked debates across the tech community. Apple justified this move by pointing toward a wireless future, encouraging users to switch to Bluetooth headphones or use Lightning EarPods.
The iPhone 7 featured a seamless unibody aluminum design with new finishes, including Jet Black, Matte Black, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. The Jet Black version, though glossy and stylish, was more prone to scratches, while the matte version offered better grip and durability.
Another significant design improvement was its IP67 water and dust resistance rating—a first for iPhones. This made the iPhone 7 more durable in everyday situations, such as accidental splashes or exposure to rain.
Display and Audio
The iPhone 7 featured a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. While not the highest resolution on the market, Apple’s display quality was excellent due to its color accuracy, brightness, and wide color gamut (DCI-P3). It was 25% brighter than the iPhone 6s, providing better outdoor visibility and richer visuals.
Apple also introduced stereo speakers for the first time on the iPhone 7, offering improved audio quality and louder sound. With one speaker located at the bottom and the other integrated into the earpiece, the device delivered a much more immersive audio experience, especially while watching videos or playing games.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iPhone 7 was powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit quad-core processor that was significantly faster than its predecessor, the A9. It included two high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, enabling better battery life and smooth multitasking.
The A10 Fusion chip brought substantial performance improvements:
- 40% faster CPU than the iPhone 6s
- 50% faster GPU for better gaming and graphics
- Enhanced efficiency for longer battery life
Paired with 2GB of RAM, the iPhone 7 delivered excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and even light productivity. Apps launched quickly, and the system ran smoothly even after several software updates.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 7 introduced a much-improved 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)—previously only available on the Plus models. This made low-light photography significantly better, reducing motion blur and improving sharpness.
Camera enhancements included:
- ƒ/1.8 aperture for better low-light performance
- Quad-LED True Tone flash
- Wide color capture for more vibrant images
- Improved image signal processor for faster autofocus and better color accuracy
The front-facing 7MP FaceTime HD camera was also a significant upgrade from the previous 5MP sensor, providing better selfies and clearer video calls.
Software and Features
At launch, the iPhone 7 shipped with iOS 10, which introduced features like redesigned notifications, a smarter Siri, and a revamped iMessage experience. Over the years, it received several major updates, all the way up to iOS 15, demonstrating Apple’s long-term software support for older devices.
Some key features included:
- 3D Touch for pressure-sensitive screen interactions
- Touch ID embedded in the solid-state home button
- Taptic Engine for haptic feedback
- Siri integration across apps
- Enhanced security with regular updates
The home button was no longer a physical one; instead, Apple introduced a solid-state button with haptic feedback, simulating the click sensation without moving parts. This improved durability and created a more unified design.
Battery Life
Thanks to the efficiency of the A10 Fusion chip and optimized iOS features, the iPhone 7 offered better battery life than the iPhone 6s. It included a 1960mAh battery, which, while small by today’s standards, provided a full day of moderate usage.
Apple claimed up to:
- 14 hours of talk time
- 10 days of standby
- 12 hours of internet usage on 4G LTE
Though the battery was non-removable, it was well-optimized and supported by the phone’s energy-efficient architecture.
Storage Options
Another welcome change with the iPhone 7 was Apple doubling the base storage from 16GB to 32GB, and offering models with 128GB and 256GB options. This addressed a long-standing complaint from users about insufficient storage in entry-level iPhones.
Legacy and Impact
The iPhone 7’s bold decisions—such as removing the headphone jack and introducing water resistance—paved the way for future Apple designs. It set the standard for wireless audio and pushed accessory innovation forward, such as the release of AirPods, which have become industry leaders.
Even today, the iPhone 7 remains functional and relevant for basic users. It can handle web browsing, social media, photography, and light gaming with relative ease. Its size, performance, and camera make it an attractive entry-level option for users who don’t require the latest features.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 7 was a turning point in smartphone history. It combined elegant design, meaningful hardware upgrades, and forward-thinking features that influenced the next generation of iPhones. Whether it was the courage to ditch the headphone jack or the introduction of stereo sound and water resistance, the iPhone 7 proved that Apple was ready to challenge conventions in pursuit of innovation.
Nearly a decade later, the iPhone 7 continues to be remembered as a solid, reliable smartphone that delivered great performance and helped shape the future of mobile technology.