As of this writing, the longest‑supported iPhone ever is the legendary iPhone 6S, with an impressive 7 major iOS updates. That’s a testament to Apple’s commitment to longevity.
For a flagship device priced around RM4–5k, strong long‑term support and app updates are what make it truly worth the investment.
The iPhone 7 launched in September 2016 with iOS 10. Coming from Android, I was torn — but iOS’s smoothness eventually won me over.
Switching from Android to iPhone was nerve‑wracking — especially transferring WhatsApp chats. At the time, it was nearly impossible, so I started fresh instead.
I used the iPhone 7 as my daily driver, and it consistently delivered. No spec obsession, no anxiety — unlike my time with Android. It just … worked.
The beauty of the iPhone experience? It runs silently in the background, freeing you to focus on living, not specs.
Yes, it had quirks — slow charging, proprietary lighting connector, a closed ecosystem — but the trade‑offs were worth it. The rich software environment and vast accessories market offset those minor annoyances.
Need an app? Apple usually has it first. Need a case, dongle, or extras? The choices range from no‑frills to premium. The iPhone’s support ecosystem is unmatched.
Over the years, the iPhone 7 stayed strong — quietly reliable. But it had its weakness: the infamous audio‑chip failure. Once that chip dies, you lose mic and speaker functionality — calls, voice notes … everything.
Over nine years, I dropped and replaced mine a few times (but thanks to butter‑fingered me, not Apple). Still, I never felt compelled to upgrade.
Why haven’t I bought a new phone yet? Because what I use it for — WhatsApp, calls, light social media, casual photos — doesn’t need a RM4k+ upgrade.
But the clock is ticking. WhatsApp support is ending. YouTube is dropping iOS 15 support. Even the iPhone 6S is reaching its limit.
My current iPhone 7 has another audio‑chip failure, and I’m not in the mood to fix it again. iOS 18 looks enticing, and maybe the iPhone 17 will persuade me — but having tried Android 13 on a Samsung S20 Ultra, I’m no longer strictly loyal. Still, the fact that my iPhone 7 lasted nine years before needing to be replaced? That’s money well spent.
Well done, Apple — for making a device that frees you from “spec anxiety” and lets you focus on living.
Looking forward to the next iPhone … if I truly need it. 😉
Categories: Apple, Mobile & Internet Plans, Tech History
Tags: iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, Apple support, iOS longevity, smartphone repair, tech nostalgia, spec anxiety