Sofia Martinez
The iPhone 7 was released with a glass display, marking a shift from the plastic screen of the original iPhone. The exterior of the iPhone 7 is similar in shape and volume to the iPhone 6 and 6S, with a bigger camera bump and new colour options, including matte black, glossy jet black, silver, gold, and rose gold. The iPhone 7 was also the first iPhone to exclude the 3.5mm headphone jack, replaced by a second speaker grille and Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter. While the device's internal hardware received upgrades, including improved system performance and enhanced camera features, critics noted a lack of innovation in its build quality. Apple also made efforts to reduce plastic in the iPhone 7 packaging, using 84% less plastic by employing a single paper tray and simplifying headphone wrapping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic film on the screen | No plastic film, only a white paper covering the screen |
| Plastic wrapping | No plastic wrapping, only pull tabs |
| Plastic trays | One tray made of paper, not plastic |
| Earbuds packaging | Wrapped around a stiff cardboard holder, not a plastic case |
| Environmental impact | 84% less plastic used in packaging |
Explore related products
![WRJ Case for iPhone SE 2022/2020/7/8 with Screen Protector,Magnetic Translucent Phone Case for Women Men [Compatible with Magsafe] Slim Anti-Fingerprints Shockproof Protective Cover-Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vx63duVQL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![for iPhone SE/8/7 Case, Premium Silicone Case with [Soft Anti-Scratch Microfiber Lining] Shockproof Protective Phone Case iPhone (Black Currant, iPhone SE/8/7)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61dbhKbMWFL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![4Pack [Apple MFi Certified] Charger Lightning to USB Charging Cable Cord Compatible iPhone 14/13/12/11 Pro/11/XS MAX/XR/8/7/6s Plus,iPad Pro/Air/Mini,iPod Touch](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514you0I4LL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The iPhone 7's packaging uses 84% less plastic
Apple's iPhone 7 packaging uses 84% less plastic than its predecessors. The company revealed in a report on its forestry operations that it had redesigned iPhone 7 packaging to significantly reduce the amount of plastic used. This change has prevented tons of plastic from ending up in landfills.
Previously, iPhones used two stacked plastic trays inside the box – one for the phone and another for its charger and EarPods. However, the iPhone 7 packaging uses only one tray made of paper instead of plastic. Additionally, Apple simplified the way it wraps its headphones. Before, the white earbuds came wrapped in a plastic case.
Apple sells over 200 million iPhones per year, and each one has plastic packaging that usually goes straight into the trash. These subtle tweaks to the iPhone 7 packaging have, therefore, made a substantial difference in reducing plastic waste.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were officially announced in 2016, and the retail packaging was a topic of interest for many buyers. While the iPhone 7 retail box design remained similar to its predecessors, Apple's subtle changes to the internal packaging significantly reduced plastic waste.
The iPhone 7's exterior is similar in shape and volume to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S, and it is offered in new colours like matte black, glossy "jet black," and, for a limited time, red. The iPhone 7 was also the first iPhone to omit the 3.5mm headphone jack, a controversial decision that received mixed reviews.
Melting Plastic in an Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Magnetic for iPhone SE Case 2022/3rd/2020/2nd gen, iPhone 8 & iPhone 7 [Compatible with Magsafe] Shockproof Slim Translucent Matte Protective Phone Case - Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FMGrpwg6L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The iPhone 7 is the first water-resistant iPhone
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, introduced in 2016, were the first water-resistant iPhones released by Apple. Every iPhone released since has also been water-resistant. However, it is important to note that water-resistant is not the same as waterproof. The iPhone 7 has a rating of IP67, which means it is resistant to splashes and can be submerged in just over three feet of freshwater for up to 30 minutes without damage.
Apple's support page states that liquid damage is not included in the one-year limited warranty. While the iPhone 7 is water-resistant, it is not designed to be submerged in water for prolonged periods, and doing so may cause permanent damage. Apple recommends drying the phone with a lint-free cloth and ensuring it is completely dry before using it again.
It is worth mentioning that Apple makes no claims about the iPhone 7's resistance to liquids other than freshwater. Substances such as saltwater, coffee, motor oil, or soft drinks may cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.
Additionally, while the iPhone 7's water resistance is a significant improvement over its predecessors, it is not recommended to purposely submerge the device in water. Accidental spills or brief submersions are within the phone's capabilities, but users should still exercise caution to avoid potential damage.
In summary, the iPhone 7 is a notable milestone as Apple's first water-resistant iPhone, offering increased protection against accidental liquid exposure. However, it is essential to understand the limitations of its water resistance and take appropriate precautions to ensure the device's longevity.
Protecting Plastic Car Mouldings: Tips for Longevity
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Cordking Designed for iPhone SE Case 2022/2020, Designed for iPhone 7 8 Case, Silicone Ultra Slim Shockproof Phone Case with [Soft Microfiber Lining], 4.7 inch, Mint Green](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61cW6vQTKBL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Cordking Designed for iPhone 8 Plus Case, Designed for iPhone 7 Plus Case, Silicone Ultra Slim Shockproof Phone Case with [Soft Anti-Scratch Microfiber Lining], 5.5 inch, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61hP5gkN+uS._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The iPhone 7 has a new static home button
The iPhone 7 features a new static home button, which is force-sensitive. This means that instead of a button that physically moves, the new home button uses Apple's "taptic engine" to click back at users. The taptic engine delivers vibrations through the home button, which are used as notifications, with unique buzzes for things like text messages and calls. Third-party companies can also program their own feedback through a taptic engine API.
The new home button is not a mechanical button, but a force-sensitive static button. This is not the first time Apple has dropped a mechanical part in favor of a digitized version, as the click wheel on the iPod started out as a moving part in 2001 before being replaced the following year with a capacitive version. Getting rid of mechanical parts means less breakage and allows Apple to create a sealed enclosure, which is necessary to make the iPhone 7 water-resistant.
The iPhone 7's new home button has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised the new button for its physical feedback and pressure sensitivity, while others have criticized it for not feeling like a button at all. Some users have also reported that the haptic engine keeps firing multiple times in a row for every press, which can be annoying.
In addition to the new home button, the iPhone 7 also features several other notable changes, such as the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was replaced by a second speaker grille that serves as a vent for the internal barometer. Apple also unveiled several Bluetooth wireless headphones intended for use with the iPhone 7, including AirPods and three new Beats headphone products.
Plastic Region: Identifying the End Point
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![2-Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 14/13/13 Pro Double Shatterproof Tempered Glass [Easy Installation Frame] [9H Hardness] [99.99% HD] [Bubble Free] for Apple 13 Pro/13/14 6.1 inch](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61OTe8KaK1L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![3 Pack Flexible Film for iPhone 17 Screen Protector[NOT GLASS], Non-breakable Soft TPU Hydrogel Film for iPhone 17, Invisible Thin, Scratch Resistant, Self-Healing](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712AUrqo6dL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The iPhone 7 has a quad-LED True Tone flash
The iPhone 7 features a quad-LED True Tone flash, which is part of its 12-megapixel camera. This flash offers 50% more light than previous iterations, allowing users to take high-quality photos in dark environments. The quad-LED True Tone flash also aids in colour rendering, which is expected to spur other smartphone vendors to make similar upgrades to their camera flashes.
The iPhone 7's camera also includes a high-speed sensor, a wide colour gamut, a six-element lens, an f/1.8 aperture, and optical image stabilisation. These features work together to enhance the mobile photography experience. The high-speed sensor, for example, is 60% faster and 30% more efficient than previous models, while the optical image stabilisation allows users to take longer exposures without blur.
The quad-LED True Tone flash is a significant upgrade in terms of camera flash technology, utilising more flash LEDs than ever before. This technology helps generate a new wave of demand in the global flash LED market, with an expected annual growth of 9% from 2016 to 2017. The introduction of the quad-LED True Tone flash on the iPhone 7 is anticipated to increase the usage volume of flash LEDs in the market.
The camera flash module on the iPhone 7 contains four flash LEDs, which provide a greater level of brightness and improved colour rendering. This enables iPhone 7 users to capture clear and well-lit photos, even in low-light conditions. The quad-LED True Tone flash is a notable feature of the iPhone 7's camera system, enhancing its photography capabilities in various lighting environments.
Plastic Labels: Are Water Bottles Misleading Consumers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Waterproof Phone Pouch Case - [2 Pack][Easy Lock & Heavy Duty] IPX8 Water Proof Cell Phone Dry Bag for Beach, Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Plus Air, Galaxy S25 S24, 4-7"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YbMK6L8uL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The iPhone 7 has a Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were the first iPhones to not feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Instead, the devices came with a Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter, as well as in-ear headphones that used the Lightning connector. This adapter was also sold separately as an accessory and was compatible with other iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices running iOS 10 and newer.
The iPhone 7's Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter includes a DAC and some kind of low-power analogue amplifier. The analogue amplifier bypasses the audio signal through the lightning connector. The lightning port does not support analogue audio, but it does support data syncing.
The iPhone 7's lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack was controversial. Some users criticised Apple for planned obsolescence and causing substantial electronic waste. Others noted that the removal of the headphone jack pushed consumers to purchase more expensive headphones.
The iPhone 7's Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter works best when the charger is plugged in before the 3.5 mm audio device. The adapter is also compatible with MFi-certified USB to Lightning charging cables and most Apple Smart Battery Cases.
Plastic's Conductive or Insulating Nature: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, the iPhone 7 has a metal back.
The iPhone 7 has a metal back, which some users have criticised as being easy to shatter or scratch.
Older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 3G/3GS, featured a plastic back. The iPhone 5C also had a plastic back, which Apple described as "unapologetic plastic".
A metal back on the iPhone 7 makes the phone more durable and gives it a premium feel. It also avoids the need to disguise the material as something more "premium", as was done with plastic phones.
