User level: Level 1 (4 points)I need to update my iPhone 7 software to iOS 16 or higher it says what do I do if I can’t afford a new phone
Posted on Oct 10, 2026 3:02 PM
User level: Level 10 (97,882 points)Oct 11, 2026 3:34 AM in response to Williams_0427
Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗
Open Settings ➢ General ➢ Software Update.
If you get the message; "iOS is up to date", then your iPhone has reached the end-of-life support for Software Updates to the latest iOS operating system, depriving you of new features created many years ago.
Many modern apps are not compatible, limiting the usability of your device.
You are invited to visit an Apple retail store to discuss your iPhone upgrade options.
Learn about the ⇢ iPhone Upgrade Program. ⇠📲
Since your iPhone 7 is too old for a trade-in, the only option is to recycle it for free. ♻️
Good luck! 👋🏼😉
Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Oct 10, 2026 3:29 PM in response to Williams_0427
Williams_0427 wrote:
I need to update my iPhone 7 software to iOS 16 or higher it says what do I do if I can’t afford a new phone
Do without the app that requires iOS 16 or higher.
If you are lucky, and the app is for some service that has a Web interface (e.g., YouTube), and the Web site works with the old version of mobile Safari that is on your phone, you might be able to use the Web site to substitute for the app. Otherwise, you will have to do completely without until you can afford a newer phone.
User level: Level 8 (43,489 points)Oct 10, 2026 3:13 PM in response to Williams_0427
Your alternative is to simply do without that particular app or web service.
(Although going forward, there will likely be more and more apps and services which your “elderly” iPhone will no longer be able to run)
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Oct 10, 2026 3:44 PM in response to Williams_0427
If you are considering buying a used iPhone – because your iPhone 7 is too old to run the apps you want, and you don't have the budget for a new phone - please read
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community
If you want to buy a preowned iPhone - Apple Support
to minimize your chances of getting an Activation-Locked or blacklisted "brick", a phone locked to a carrier which you cannot or do not want to use, etc.
User level: Level 10 (756,437 points)Oct 10, 2026 3:06 PM in response to Williams_0427
Buy a model you're able to afford.
(265199)
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256373891