Yes, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are no longer supported by Apple for major iOS updates, having been dropped from support when iOS 16 was released in 2022. As of early 2025, the devices are capped at iOS 15.8.5 and are considered vintage or obsolete, meaning they do not receive new features, app optimizations, or consistent security updates.
Mainstream software support for the iPhone 7 was dropped when iOS 16 was released. But, it still receives iOS 15 security updates (as of September 15 2025). The current version of iOS to support iPhone 7 is iOS 15.8. 5.
The iPhone 7 had a long and successful run, but by 2025, it's simply too outdated to recommend. With support ending years ago at iOS 15, it no longer receives software or security updates, leaving buyers with compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.
Your iPhone 7 can't update to the latest iOS because Apple stops providing software updates for older models after a certain period. The iPhone 7 supports up to iOS 15, which is its final compatible version.
When an iPhone becomes unsupported, it stops receiving major iOS updates, leading to security risks, app compatibility issues, and eventual hardware service limitations, though you can still use it for basic tasks until apps stop working or security becomes too risky. The biggest concerns are vulnerabilities hackers exploit and apps like banking or social media crashing because they require newer iOS versions, making the device less functional and secure over time.
At the time of writing, the oldest version of iOS supported with security updates is iOS 15, thanks to the iOS 15 update in August 2025, that means the oldest iPhones 'supported' by Apple is the iPhone 6s.
WhatsApp will end support for older iPhones starting May 2025. iPhones running iOS 15.1 or older will lose access to WhatsApp. Users must upgrade their devices to continue using WhatsApp's latest features. So this would be iPhone 7's and below?
Conclusion: Which iPhones will no longer be usable in 2025? In 2025, several generations of iPhones reach the end of their software support: iOS 19 Support Ends : 2018 iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won't be able to install iOS 19 when it's released in September 2025 They will remain frozen on iOS 18.
Apple has added the iPhone 7 Plus and two iPhone 8 models to its list of vintage and obsolete products, as it's been more than five years since both devices launched. The iPhone 7 Plus, which launched in 2016, was the first iPhone to feature a dual rear camera system.
Restarting your iPhone can fix a problem if it keeps turning on and off. If your iPhone shuts off suddenly, check its battery health in the settings to see if it needs replacing. Updating your iPhone's iOS can also fix problems with it turning on and off unexpectedly.
You can use an old iPhone as a DIY HomePod, a games console, a camera, a weather station, a smart display or a digital clock.
You can add new functions to your phone by installing apps from App Store. To install apps, you need to set up your phone for internet and activate your Apple ID on your phone. Press App Store.
When an iPhone becomes obsolete, Apple will no longer support it with repairs or iOS security updates. This is a major issue, as if you can't receive security updates, your iPhone will no longer be secure. If you can't update your iPhone, attackers can take advantage of security holes to install malware on your device.
Troubleshooting 7 Common iPhone Issues
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.