If you're still using an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024, you're not alone. Millions of users continue to rely on older Apple devices long after their release. But with the iPhone 7 now nearly a decade old itself, the question arises: is upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 7 actually meaningful today? The answer isn't as straightforward as specs might suggest. It depends on your usage, expectations, and how much longer you intend to keep the device.
The iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014, bringing Apple into the era of larger screens. The iPhone 7 followed in 2016 with notable upgrades in processing power, camera quality, and water resistance. But we’re now in a world where iOS updates are optimized for newer chipsets, app demands grow annually, and cloud services require faster hardware. So, does stepping up from the 6 Plus to the 7 offer tangible benefits—or is it just a stopgap before a necessary leap to a modern iPhone?
Performance & Hardware Comparison
The core difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 lies in the chipset and internal architecture. The 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the iPhone 7 uses the more powerful A10 Fusion chip and 2GB of RAM. This may sound like a modest upgrade on paper, but in practice, it translates to significantly smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of modern apps.
For example, loading Safari tabs, switching between social media apps, or using navigation tools like Google Maps feels noticeably snappier on the iPhone 7. The A10 Fusion was Apple’s first quad-core processor and remains surprisingly capable even today. Meanwhile, the A8 struggles with background app refresh and can freeze when running multiple services simultaneously.
| Feature | iPhone 6 Plus | iPhone 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A8 (2014) | A10 Fusion (2016) |
| RAM | 1GB | 2GB |
| Storage Options | 16/64/128GB | 32/128/256GB |
| Water Resistance | No | IP67 rated |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No (first model without) |
| Camera (Rear) | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.8, OIS |
The absence of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 often draws criticism, but its removal paved the way for improved internal sealing and better audio through Lightning or Bluetooth. If you're attached to wired headphones, this change could be a dealbreaker—though adapters are inexpensive and widely available.
Software Support & Security Updates
This is where the decision becomes critical. As of 2024, neither the iPhone 6 Plus nor the iPhone 7 receives official iOS updates from Apple. The last supported version for both is iOS 15.8. While they can technically run many current apps, compatibility is increasingly spotty.
Major developers like Instagram, WhatsApp, and banking apps are beginning to phase out support for devices unable to run iOS 16 or later. This means slower load times, missing features, and eventually, complete inaccessibility. Security patches are no longer issued, leaving these phones vulnerable to emerging threats—especially if used for email, messaging, or mobile payments.
“Devices stuck on outdated operating systems become digital liabilities. Even if they work today, their security risks grow exponentially over time.” — Lena Park, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs
Upgrading from the 6 Plus to the 7 won’t future-proof your device. Both are effectively end-of-life in Apple’s ecosystem. However, the iPhone 7’s stronger hardware means it handles iOS 15 more gracefully than the 6 Plus, particularly in areas like Face ID alternatives (passcode speed), Safari responsiveness, and camera processing.
Real-World User Experience: A Mini Case Study
Consider Maria, a freelance writer who used her iPhone 6 Plus from 2015 until early 2023. She relied on it for emails, notes, calendar, and occasional photography. By late 2022, she noticed apps crashing, delays in sending messages, and her phone overheating during video calls. She upgraded to a used iPhone 7 for $80, hoping for relief.
The improvement was immediate. Her email client loaded three times faster, she could edit photos in Lightroom Mobile (which had stopped working on her 6 Plus), and battery life felt more consistent. However, by mid-2024, she began encountering app incompatibilities—her new bank app refused to install, and Zoom dropped support for her device.
Maria’s experience illustrates the short-term gains and long-term limitations of this upgrade. The iPhone 7 gave her about 12–18 months of renewed usability, but did not eliminate the need for a newer device.
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
Before spending money on an iPhone 7, ask yourself the following:
- Are you currently experiencing frequent app crashes or lag on your iPhone 6 Plus?
- Do you rely on your phone for secure tasks (banking, two-factor authentication)?
- Is your current battery health below 70%?
- Can you find an iPhone 7 in good condition (preferably with replaced battery) for under $100?
- Are you planning to replace your phone within the next 1–2 years anyway?
If most answers are “yes,” then upgrading to the iPhone 7 can be a sensible bridge. But if you're looking for long-term reliability, better camera quality, and ongoing software support, consider models like the iPhone SE (2022 or later), iPhone 11, or budget Android alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 7 still get iOS updates in 2024?
No. Apple ended iOS updates for the iPhone 7 with iOS 15.8. It will not receive iOS 16 or any future versions, meaning no new features or security patches.
Is the camera really that much better on the iPhone 7?
Yes. The iPhone 7 features a 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization—major improvements over the 6 Plus. Low-light performance, detail retention, and color accuracy are noticeably superior. For casual photographers, this is one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade.
Will apps stop working on my iPhone 6 Plus?
Many already have. Developers are increasingly requiring iOS 16 or higher. Apps like TikTok, certain banking platforms, and newer productivity tools may fail to install or function poorly on iOS 12 (the last version for the 6 Plus).
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 7 in 2024 is less about technological advancement and more about buying time. If your 6 Plus is barely functional—slow, unstable, or battery-depleted—the iPhone 7 offers a meaningful quality-of-life improvement. It runs modern apps more reliably, takes better photos, and lasts longer per charge.
However, this is not a long-term solution. You're moving from one obsolete device to another. The upgrade makes sense only if:
- You need a temporary phone quickly.
- You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify $300+ for a newer model.
- You’re giving the phone to a child or secondary user who doesn’t need cutting-edge features.
For everyone else, skipping straight to a device that supports current and future iOS versions—like the iPhone SE (3rd gen)—is a smarter investment. These newer models offer 5G, better cameras, stronger processors, and guaranteed updates through at least 2027.
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