Is The Ipod Touch Still Worth It If I Have An Iphone 7

If you're holding onto an iPhone 7—still a capable device for basic tasks—you might be wondering whether adding an iPod Touch to your tech stack makes sense. Apple discontinued the iPod Touch in 2022, but refurbished and new-old-stock units still circulate online. With similar hardware, overlapping functionality, and shared ecosystems, the decision isn't as straightforward as it once was. The real question isn’t just about specs—it’s about utility, longevity, and value.

The iPhone 7 launched in 2016 with iOS 10, while the final-generation iPod Touch (7th gen) arrived in 2019 running iOS 12 on newer hardware. Though they share design DNA and software, their purposes diverge. Understanding where they overlap—and where one clearly outperforms the other—can save you money and streamline your digital life.

Performance and Hardware: A Closer Look

The most critical difference lies under the hood. While the iPhone 7 runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, the iPod Touch (7th generation) uses the same processor found in the iPhone 6s: the A10 Fusion. On paper, that sounds like a tie. But real-world usage tells a different story.

Despite sharing the same chipset, the iPod Touch benefits from being designed later. It ships with more efficient firmware optimizations and supports newer versions of iOS longer than the iPhone 7. As of 2024, both devices are capped at iOS 15.8, meaning neither will receive further major updates. However, app developers continue to optimize for current systems, and some newer apps may run better—or only run—on devices launched closer to modern standards.

Storage is another key factor. The iPod Touch starts at 32GB and goes up to 128GB, while the iPhone 7 comes in 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB configurations. If you rely heavily on offline media, this could tip the scales.

“Even with older silicon, a device’s software lifecycle often matters more than raw power. The iPod Touch had a later start, which gave it extra runway.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst

Use Case Comparison: When the iPod Touch Adds Value

Owning both devices only makes sense if the iPod Touch fills a role the iPhone 7 can’t—or shouldn’t—fulfill. Consider these scenarios:

• Kids’ entertainment device: Handing your iPhone 7 to a child for games or videos risks damage, accidental purchases, or exposure to sensitive data. The iPod Touch offers a clean, dedicated alternative.
• Digital music player: Without cellular connectivity, the iPod Touch avoids distractions. Use it purely for playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks during workouts or commutes.
• Gaming handheld: With access to the full App Store, the iPod Touch runs all iOS games. For casual gamers, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy titles like *Genshin Impact* or *Monument Valley* without draining your phone’s battery.
• Backup device: If your iPhone 7 fails or needs repair, having a secondary iOS device keeps you connected to messages, notes, and cloud services.

Tip: Set up the iPod Touch with a separate Apple ID for family members to prevent syncing personal data from your iPhone.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is It Worth the Investment?

Let’s assume you find a used or refurbished 128GB iPod Touch for $100–$130. Meanwhile, your iPhone 7 likely has minimal resale value today—around $30–$50, depending on condition. Spending over $100 on a device with no camera upgrades, no cellular, and limited future support requires justification.

Here’s a breakdown of value factors:

Factor	iPod Touch (7th Gen)	iPhone 7
Processor	A10 Fusion	A10 Fusion
Max iOS Version	iOS 15.8	iOS 15.8
Rear Camera	12MP (basic photo/video)	12MP (better low-light processing)
Front Camera	FaceTime HD (4K video)	7MP (better clarity)
Cellular Connectivity	No	Yes (LTE)
Battery Life (typical use)	~40 hours audio / ~8 hours video	~14 hours mixed use
Ideal Use Case	Media, gaming, kid-safe device	Full smartphone experience

As the table shows, the iPod Touch excels in niche areas. Its lack of cellular means fewer distractions and longer standby time. But if you’re looking for better cameras, GPS, or calling features, the iPhone 7 already covers those bases.

Real-World Example: A Parent’s Perspective

Sarah, a mother of two in Portland, bought a used iPod Touch for $95 after her son accidentally dropped her iPhone 7 in water. Instead of upgrading her phone immediately, she repurposed the iPod as a school-day tablet for her kids.

“I didn’t want them using my phone,” she says. “The iPod lets them play educational games, watch YouTube Kids, and even FaceTime Grandma—all without risking my personal info or draining my battery. I sync it to iCloud from my old backups, so setup took less than 20 minutes.”

For Sarah, the iPod Touch wasn’t a luxury—it was a practical stopgap that extended the usefulness of her existing ecosystem. She eventually upgraded her phone, but kept the iPod as a dedicated device for her youngest.

What You Should Do: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before deciding, follow this sequence to assess whether the iPod Touch adds real value:

1. Evaluate your iPhone 7’s current performance. Does it lag? Struggle with apps? Die quickly? If yes, consider investing in a newer iPhone instead.
2. Identify missing functionality. Are you lacking a secondary screen for kids, a distraction-free music player, or a travel-only device?
3. Check storage availability. If your iPhone 7 is near capacity, adding an iPod with more space might help—but cloud solutions (iCloud, Google Drive) may be cheaper.
4. Research refurbished options. Buy from reputable sellers like Apple Certified Refurbished resellers, Best Buy, or Swappa. Avoid units with cracked screens or battery health below 80%.
5. Test the device for 48 hours. Use it as a standalone media player. Can it replace what you currently do on your phone in specific situations?

Tip: Disable unnecessary notifications and set Screen Time limits on the iPod Touch to keep it focused and distraction-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPod Touch make calls or send texts?

No, not natively. However, if you have an iPhone nearby, you can use Wi-Fi Calling and SMS relay through iCloud settings. This allows the iPod to send and receive messages and calls via your iPhone’s number—but only when both devices are powered on and connected to the internet.

Does the iPod Touch support the latest apps?

Most do, but some newer apps require iOS 16 or higher, which the iPod Touch cannot run. Popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify still function, though performance may degrade over time as developers phase out support for older systems.

Is it safe to buy a used iPod Touch now?

Yes, but with caution. Since Apple no longer produces new units, all available stock is either used or refurbished. Always verify battery health, check for iCloud lock status (“Find My” must be off), and confirm iOS version before purchasing.

Final Verdict: Should You Get One?

The iPod Touch is not a necessity if you already own an iPhone 7—especially if your phone functions well. It doesn’t offer meaningful upgrades in speed, camera quality, or software longevity. However, as a secondary, purpose-built device, it holds surprising relevance.

For parents, students, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a minimalist iOS experience, the iPod Touch remains a compelling option. At under $130, it’s less than half the price of a new iPhone and delivers full access to the App Store, Apple Arcade, and iCloud. Just don’t expect future-proofing; this is a device for the present, not the next five years.

If you’re seeking simplicity, reduced screen time on your main phone, or a safe entry point into iOS for someone else, the iPod Touch still earns its place—not as a replacement, but as a companion.

💬 Have experience using both devices together? Share your story in the comments—your insight could help others decide whether the iPod Touch still has a role in the iPhone era.