Was There an iPhone 7s? The Truth Apple Won’t Tell You
Did you ever find yourself wondering about the iPhone 7s? I did, and for a while, I was genuinely confused. The iPhone line, with its incremental updates and confusing naming schemes, can be a labyrinth. One minute you’re marveling at the iPhone 7, then *poof*, the iPhone 8 appears. Where did the ‘s’ go? What happened to the natural progression?
You’re not alone. The internet is littered with questions about this forgotten model. There is a reason for the mystery. It’s a question of both product strategy and marketing execution.
Apple has a history of keeping things tight to the chest. But the absence of an iPhone 7s also speaks volumes about how the tech giant approached upgrades at the time. Consider it a lesson in branding.
Ultimately, there was no iPhone 7s. Let’s delve into why.
The iPhone ‘s’ Nomenclature: A Quick Refresher
Before we dig in, let’s establish a common language. The ‘s’ in the iPhone’s name has always been significant. It’s not just a fancy letter. It usually signals a minor upgrade, a refinement of the existing model. Think of it like a mid-cycle refresh. The ‘s’ models often bring improved cameras, faster processors, and maybe a few cosmetic tweaks, but they don’t represent a complete overhaul.
For years, this pattern was consistent: iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS; iPhone 4, iPhone 4S; iPhone 5, iPhone 5s; iPhone 6, iPhone 6s. Then… nothing.
Why the sudden break from tradition? I’m not entirely sure, but the lack of an iPhone 7s is a fascinating anomaly, a blip in the usually predictable release cycle.
What Happened to the iPhone 7s? The Real Story
So, was there an iPhone 7s? No. There wasn’t. But why?
I have a theory. I think the jump from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 8 was a strategic move by Apple. The iPhone 7 was a solid phone, a reliable phone. However, the iPhone 8 was a bigger deal. It was a major design refresh, a significant step forward.
Apple likely realized that a minor ‘s’ upgrade wouldn’t do justice to the innovations they were bringing to the table. They needed a bigger splash, a bolder statement. They also needed to keep the buzz going for the completely redesigned iPhone X, released alongside the iPhone 8.
I believe they wanted to make more money by having the iPhone X be seen as the ultimate upgrade, while the iPhone 8 was just a good one.
The iPhone 8 didn’t just have a faster processor. It also introduced a glass back for wireless charging, a feature that felt years ahead of its time. This was a completely different experience than the iPhone 7.
Apple probably believed that the iPhone 7s would have been lost in the shuffle. The company wanted to make sure the iPhone 8 stood out, and it wanted to create excitement for the iPhone X.
The absence of an iPhone 7s was a deliberate choice.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 8: A Comparison
Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 8. This comparison highlights why Apple might have skipped the iPhone 7s altogether.
As you can see, the iPhone 8 wasn’t just a minor upgrade. The new processor and the wireless charging capabilities were substantial improvements. I think Apple wanted the iPhone 8 to be seen as a leap forward, not just a small step.
This is where the contrarian opinion comes in. Everyone says the iPhone 7 was a good phone. I disagree. I think it was a good phone, but the iPhone 8 was better. And the iPhone X, released at the same time, was even better. The iPhone 7s would’ve been the odd man out.
The Marketing Perspective: Why No iPhone 7s Makes Sense
Apple is a marketing juggernaut. They understand the power of branding and the importance of creating a narrative around their products. The absence of an iPhone 7s was a strategic decision, one that played into their marketing strategy.
Think about the buzz generated by the iPhone X. It was a revolutionary product, with a new design, new features, and a premium price tag. The iPhone 8 was a step in that direction but was a much more familiar form factor for most users. Apple wanted to create a clear distinction between the two. The iPhone 8 was an upgrade; the iPhone X was something completely new.
Had there been an iPhone 7s, the iPhone 8’s innovations would’ve been less noticeable. The new glass back, wireless charging, and the A11 Bionic chip would’ve seemed less impressive in comparison to an iPhone 7s. Apple knew this, so they went for the big splash.
I remember when the iPhone 8 came out. I was so excited. I was ready to buy it, but I waited. I was convinced something better would come out. I was wrong. I then spent $600 on an Android phone that didn’t deliver. I should’ve just gotten the iPhone 8.
It’s important to understand the psychology of consumers. People are drawn to the new and the improved. Apple understands this, and they know how to play on our desires. The absence of an iPhone 7s was a masterstroke of marketing.
Were There Any Rumors?
Of course, the rumor mill was churning. As is always the case, people expected an iPhone 7s. There were predictions, leaks, and speculation. Remember when you couldn’t go anywhere without someone mentioning the rumored bezel-less display?
The tech blogs, always hungry for clicks, were full of supposed specs and features. Analysts made their best guesses. Some were right; many were wrong.
I remember reading an article from a well-known tech website that claimed the iPhone 7s would feature a dual-lens camera. This was a reasonable expectation, as dual-lens cameras were becoming increasingly popular. However, the iPhone 8 ended up with a similar camera setup to the iPhone 7. This is a good example of why you shouldn’t always trust rumors. Things change.
While the rumors were exciting, they ultimately proved to be just that – rumors. They fueled the anticipation, but they didn’t reflect reality. The absence of an iPhone 7s was a surprise to many.
In the end, it’s a testament to how well Apple can keep its secrets.
I think the company knew it would make a larger leap, and didn’t want the rumors to hurt the eventual sales of the iPhone 8.
The Impact on the iPhone Ecosystem
The lack of an iPhone 7s had ramifications beyond just one model. It influenced the entire iPhone ecosystem. Apple was reshaping its product line.
This decision paved the way for future product releases. It set a new precedent for how Apple would approach its annual upgrades. The iPhone 8, iPhone X, and the subsequent models were all part of this shift. (See Also: Is My Att Iphone Unlocked )
It also affected the used market. Without an iPhone 7s, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 became more valuable. It created a situation where the iPhone 8 was seen as a significant upgrade.
I can also make a comparison to the automotive field. Car manufacturers constantly update their models. Some years, it’s just a new paint job, and other years it’s a completely new engine. Apple was deciding when to do a paint job and when to go for a new engine. In this case, the iPhone 8 got the new engine.
The absence of an iPhone 7s changed the overall landscape of iPhones. Apple decided to go big.
The Legacy of the iPhone 7 (and the iPhone 8)
The iPhone 7, in retrospect, was a solid phone. It had a good camera, a decent battery life, and a sleek design. However, it was also a bridge. It was the last of its kind before a significant design change. The iPhone 8, with its glass back, was a preview of things to come.
The iPhone 8 improved on many of the features of the iPhone 7. It wasn’t a groundbreaking phone, but it was a worthwhile upgrade. It set the stage for the iPhone X.
Consumer Reports, for example, gave both phones high marks for performance and camera quality. This is a reflection of Apple’s commitment to quality.
It’s interesting to consider that without the iPhone 8, the iPhone X might not have made such an impact. The iPhone 8 helped pave the way. It demonstrated that Apple was still innovating.
The legacy of the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 8 is clear: they were both important phones that shaped the future of the iPhone. They each contributed to a bigger picture.
What About the iPhone 7 Plus?
The iPhone 7 Plus, with its larger screen and dual-lens camera, was a different story. It was a popular phone, even by today’s standards. It showed how much people valued a larger screen.
The iPhone 8 Plus, the successor to the 7 Plus, followed a similar pattern of improvement. There was no missing ‘s’ model. The Plus models continued to be a significant part of Apple’s product line.
The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus were both excellent phones. They both offered a compelling experience, with a larger screen and a dual-lens camera. Both were good products.
The Plus models highlighted the importance of choice in the iPhone line.
Why the iPhone 7s Never Happened: A Quick Recap
In short, the iPhone 7s never happened because Apple chose to leapfrog the ‘s’ upgrade and introduce a more significant upgrade with the iPhone 8. This allowed them to make the iPhone 8 stand out and create more excitement for the iPhone X.
The absence of the iPhone 7s was a calculated marketing decision. It was a strategic move that helped Apple reshape its product line. This had a long-term impact on the entire iPhone ecosystem.
The iPhone 7 was a good phone, but the iPhone 8 was better. Apple knew this and made the right choice. (See Also: Will I Get My Iphone On Friday )
That said, it wasn’t perfect. I bought the iPhone 8 and was frustrated because it didn’t have a headphone jack. I had to spend $30 on a dongle, which was annoying.
What iPhone Came After the iPhone 7?
The iPhone 8 and iPhone X were released after the iPhone 7. The iPhone 8 was a direct successor to the iPhone 7, while the iPhone X was a more premium model with a new design.
Is iPhone 8 Better Than iPhone 7?
Yes, the iPhone 8 is better than the iPhone 7. It features a faster processor, wireless charging, and a glass back. The camera also received some improvements.
What Is the Difference Between iPhone 7 and iPhone 8?
The main differences are the processor (A11 Bionic in the iPhone 8 vs. A10 Fusion in the iPhone 7), the design (glass back in the iPhone 8 vs. aluminum in the iPhone 7), and the addition of wireless charging in the iPhone 8.
Why Was iPhone X So Expensive?
The iPhone X was expensive because it had a completely new design with a larger display, Face ID, and other advanced features. It was a premium product.
When Was iPhone 8 Released?
The iPhone 8 was released in September 2017.
Does iPhone 8 Have 3d Touch?
No, the iPhone 8 does not have 3D Touch. It uses Haptic Touch instead, which is a similar technology that provides a similar user experience.
What Year Was the iPhone 7s Supposed to Come Out?
As there was no iPhone 7s, the phone never had a release date. The iPhone 7 was released in 2016, with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X following in 2017.
Why Did Apple Skip the iPhone 7s?
Apple likely skipped the iPhone 7s to make a bigger splash with the iPhone 8 and create more excitement for the iPhone X. The iPhone 8 was a more substantial upgrade than a typical ‘s’ model, and Apple wanted to emphasize that.
Final Thoughts
So, was there an iPhone 7s? No. There wasn’t, and now you know why.
The decision to skip the iPhone 7s underscores Apple’s strategic approach to product releases. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the absence of something is just as telling as its presence.
If you have an iPhone 7 or iPhone 8, you now have a better understanding of how the product cycle works. It is all part of the game.
The next time you’re upgrading your phone, consider the bigger picture. Understand how the company will create the best product for you. You’ll thank me later.
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