iPhone 7/7+ Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article ID = 172Article Title = iPhone 7/7+ Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 7th September 2016
Article Last Updated = 25th October 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?172
Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the iPhone 7/7+
Trade-In Your iPhone
If you are in the United States of America (USA) Amazon.com has a special iPhone trade-in program currently in operation offering special prices on iPhone trade-ins.Q. When is the iPhone 7 UK launch date?
A. Apple stated during their 7th September 2016 event that the iPhone 7 will be made available from the 16th September 2016 with pre-orders going live on the 9th September 2016.Q. What models are available?
A. The iPhone 7 comes in two models: iPhone 7 and iPhone 7+Q. What's the difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7+?
A. Primarily, the iPhone 7 has a 4.7" display (1334x750 pixels at 326ppi) whereas the iPhone 7+ has a larger 5.5" display (1920x1080 pixels at 401ppi). The iPhone 7+ has a bigger battery that lasts longer and also has dual wide-angle/telephoto cameras with 2x optical zoom.Q. What are the primary new/upgraded features of the iPhone 7 compared to the 6s?
- A10 processor
- M10 motion coprocessor
- New customisable home button
- Splash, water, and dust resistant - rated IP67 under IEC standard 60529
- Better primary camera - with ƒ/1.8 aperture (optical image stabilization now also on the non-plus model)
- Better front camera - 7MP
- Better Retina Display with wide color display (P3)
- Stereo speakers
- NO 3.5mm audio port
- Apple Pay supported in Japan with "Felica" NFC compatibility - requires iOS 10.1 or later
- 23+ 4G/LTE bands supported with speeds up to 450Mbps speeds
Q. What colours is the iPhone 7 available in?
A. Jet black, black, silver, gold and rose gold.Q. What storage capacities is the iPhone 7 available in?
A. 32GB, 128GB and 256GB (Jet black model only available with 128GB or 256GB).Q. What are the system requirements for using an iPhone 7?
A. The following are required:- An Apple ID (for some features)
- Internet access
- Syncing with iTunes on a Mac or PC requires
- Mac: OS X 10.9.5 or later
- PC: Windows 7 or later
- iTunes 12.5.0 or later
Q. I'm not running OS X 10.9.5 or later. What can I do?
A. Check to see if you can upgrade to OS X 10.9.5 or later.Q. How much does the iPhone 7 cost?
A. iPhone 7 32GB = £599, 128GB = £699 or 256GB = £799 unlocked.iPhone 7+ 32GB = £719, 128GB = £819 or 256GB = £919 unlocked.
Cheaper prices may be available on contract from other companies.
Q. Where can I buy the iPhone 7 or get an iPhone on contract in the UK?
A. Several places will offer it for sale including:- O2
- Vodafone
- EE aka Everything Everywhere
- Carphone Warehouse
- Apple (unlocked)
Q. iPhone 7 supports 4G/LTE in other countries outside of the USA. Can I take advantage of this in the UK?
A. Yes. The iPhone 7 now supports 23+ LTE/4G bands including those used in the UK.Q. The iPhone 7 only comes with a "Lightning" connector and no 3.5mm audio out socket - can I still use older headphones/earbuds/audio devices that have 3.5mm connector?
A. Yes. The iPhone 7 comes with a Lightning to 3.5mm audio connector adaptor in the box which allows you to still connect older headphones/earbuds/audio devices to the iPhone 7 - however, you cannot use an older audio device and charge the iPhone at the same time.Q. The iPhone 7 comes with a "Lightning" connector. Can I still connect it to my computer/older devices?
A. Potentially, yes. The iPhone 7 comes with a Lightning to USB connector cable in the box which allows you to connect the iPhone 7 to your Mac or Windows PC. If you need compatibility with other devices you may need one of the following products:- Lightning to USB-A Cable (0.5m) Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB-A Cable (1.0m) Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB-A Cable (2.0m) Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB-C Cable (1.0m) Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB-C Cable (2.0m) Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB3 (Female A+C) Camera Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning to USB (Female A) Camera Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader Buy it now at
- Lightning to Micro USB Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning to VGA Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning Digital AV Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter Buy it now at
- Lightning EarPods Buy it now at
- iPhone Lightning Dock (Silver) Buy it now at
- iPhone Lightning Dock (Gold) Buy it now at
- Lightning to 30-pin Adapter Buy it now at NOTE: The Lightning to 30-pin Adapter is not compatible with everything. Apple states "This adapter lets you connect devices with a Lightning connector to many of your 30-pin accessories. Support for analog audio output, USB audio, as well as syncing and charging. Video output not supported."
Q. Are older models of iPhone still available to buy?
A. Yes. The iPhone 6s/6s+ and SE are still available to buy (some models are now available with upgraded storage capacities):- iPhone 6s/6s+ 32GB/128GB from £499 unlocked.
- iPhone SE 16GB/64GB from £379 unlocked. It may also be possible to obtain it free on contract.
Q. That jet black model looks very glossy/reflective/fragile - will it scratch?
A. Apple states "The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone".Q. So it's splash, water, and dust resistant so can I go swimming with it?
A. No. It's water "resistant" with an IP67 rating which means it should be able to be submerged only up to a depth of 1m for less than 30 minutes. Apple states "iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty".Q. Is the iPhone 7/7+ different in size to the iPhone 6s/6s+?
A. According to Apple, no it isn't.Q. Will my iPhone 6s/6s+ case fit the new 7/7+?
A. As Apple states the size of the iPhone 7 is the same as the 6s it is most likely your older case will fit but it is always best to check with the manufacturer of your case first. However, although Apple states the size of the iPhone 7+ is the same as the 6s+ the 7+ has the new dual camera, so cases should definitely be checked first - in most scenarios the old case will probably not have a big enough hole to accomodate the new dual camera so a new case will be needed.Q. What mobile frequencies does the iPhone 7 support?
A. See this article.Q. How do I get/use the advertised "Portrait" camera mode?
A. It requires iOS 10.1 or later - see this official Apple press release for more information.Q. What is "3D Touch"?
A. 3D Touch is a touch screen that is pressure sensitive so the harder your press different things will happen. It is best demonstrated by this Apple video:Q. Can the sensitivity of 3D Touch/Force Touch by changed?
A. Yes. Go to Settings app > General > Accessibility > 3D Touch and adjust the sensitivity as required. It can also be turned fully on or off here too.Q. Does the fingerprint identity sensor system store images of my fingerprint?
A. Apple has officially stated that the iPhone doesn't store actual images of users' fingerprints on the device only fingerprint data which is encrypted within the processor. Third-party applications cannot use the scanner facility. Those who wish the use Touch ID also have to create a passcode as a backup. Only that passcode (not a finger) can unlock the phone if the phone is rebooted or hasn't been unlocked for 48 hours. This feature is meant to block hackers from stalling for time as they try to find a way to circumvent the fingerprint scanner. See Apple's official tech note on the subject.Q. What version of iOS does the iPhone 7 come with?
A. It comes with iOS 10 and also includes the following apps free: Photos, iMovie, Pages, Numbers, Keynote and Garageband.Q. Is the iPhone 7/7+ going to be too big to use with one hand?
A. Physically it's quite large but Apple have a created a software feature called "Touch Assist" that when activated groups icons towards the bottom of the screen within easy reach for even those people with small fingers and thumbs.Q. I've heard that Siri is always listening to what you say ("Proactive Siri"). Is this true and can this "feature" be switched off?
A. Yes it's true - Siri listens out for you to say "Hey Siri". Apple have officially explained how this works to TechCrunch but basically "Hey Siri" is an optional feature that a user must opt into during the iPhone's setup process, nothing is actually recorded until Hey Siri is activated and you can also train Siri to identify your voice and not other people saying "Hey Siri". It was originally introduced with iOS 9 so it is a software setting - go to Settings app > General > Siri > if Siri is turned on you have the option to toggle Allow "Hey Siri" ON/OFF.Q. Are the new wireless AirPods available in the UK?
A. Not yet - AirPods are due to be launched in late October (currently listed at £159).Q. Are there official Apple cases and docks available for the iPhone 7?
A. Yes - they are available from the Apple Store.Q. I've heard something about AppleCare+. What is it?
A. AppleCare+ is now available to buy in the UK. It includes an extra year of warranty (a total of 2 years) and up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, each subject to a £79 excess fee (£25 for the screen).Q. I've heard something about an official iPhone Upgrade Program from Apple which, if I pay monthly, gets me a new iPhone when it is released. Is this service available in the UK?
A. Yes. The program has now launched in the UK - see this Apple page for official information. It's already available in the USA and is also now available in China.Q. I don't want iOS 10. Can I install/run an earlier version of iOS?
A. No.
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