for use as a primary phone. While it was a landmark device, it has reached its technical "end of life" in terms of modern software support and performance reliability.
Many modern apps—especially banking, high-end games, and even some messaging apps—now require iOS 16 or later to even download.
You need a reliable daily phone, use banking or social media apps, or want security protection.
You need an extremely cheap ($50–$100) backup device for basic calls, offline music, or as a "toy" for a young child to use on Wi-Fi. The Critical Downsides in 2026 Outdated Software (iOS 15): The iPhone 7 Plus
This model is known for a major hardware defect called "Loop Disease," where the audio chip fails, leading to permanent boot loops or loss of microphone/speaker function.
is stuck on iOS 15, which is many generations behind the current iOS 26. This means you miss out on all modern features and critical security updates.