iPhone 7 Plus - 2016, The iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016, marked a significant milestone in Apple’s smartphone evolution. With its dual-camera system, water resistance, and the controversial removal of the headphone jack, it set the stage for many features we now take for granted in modern smartphones. This blog post dives into the key features, design, and impact of the iPhone 7 Plus, offering a nostalgic look back for tech enthusiasts eager to revisit this iconic device.
Design and Build: A Step Toward Durability
At 5.5 inches, the Retina HD display with a 1920x1080 resolution delivered vibrant colors and sharp visuals, ideal for media consumption. The removal of the physical home button in favor of a solid-state, haptic-feedback version was a bold move, paving the way for future buttonless designs.
The Dual-Camera Revolution
The standout feature of the iPhone 7 Plus was its dual-camera system, a first for Apple. The 12MP wide-angle and telephoto lenses enabled 2x optical zoom and a portrait mode that used computational photography to create a bokeh effect. This feature, still impressive today, made the iPhone 7 Plus a favorite among photography enthusiasts. The camera also performed well in low light, thanks to an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization.
Performance and Software
Powered by the A10 Fusion chip, the iPhone 7 Plus was a performance beast in 2016. With a quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM, it handled multitasking, gaming, and video editing with ease. Running iOS 10 out of the box, it introduced features like a redesigned lock screen, richer notifications, and improved Siri functionality. The A10’s efficiency also contributed to solid battery life, lasting a full day for most users.
The Headphone Jack Controversy
Perhaps the most talked-about decision was Apple’s removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The move sparked debates among tech enthusiasts, with Apple citing the need for space to improve other features like the camera and battery. The included Lightning EarPods and a 3.5mm adapter softened the blow, but it pushed many toward wireless audio solutions like AirPods, which launched alongside the iPhone 7 Plus.
Impact and Legacy
The iPhone 7 Plus wasn’t just a phone; it was a statement of Apple’s vision for the future. The dual-camera system set a new standard for smartphone photography, while the removal of the headphone jack signaled a shift toward wireless technology. For tech enthusiasts, it remains a pivotal device that bridged the gap between Apple’s earlier designs and the edge-to-edge displays of later models.
Why It Still Matters
Even in 2025, the iPhone 7 Plus holds a special place for collectors and budget-conscious users. Its performance remains adequate for basic tasks, and iOS updates kept it relevant for years. For those who value a home button and a familiar design, it’s a nostalgic piece of tech history.
FAQs
A: As of 2025, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives major iOS updates, with support ending after iOS 15. However, it may still receive security patches occasionally.