When Was the iPhone 7 Plus Discontinued and Why?
Introduction to iPhone Discontinuation
September 2019 saw the release of the iPhone 11, ending the lifecycle of the iPhone 7 Plus, which had been available since September 2016. Apple typically discontinues older models to make way for newer innovations. This article explores the reasons behind the discontinuation of the iPhone 7 Plus and what factors influenced Apple's decision.
Life Cycle Management at Apple
Apple's product life cycle management strategy is well-documented. The company often limits the availability of older models to encourage customers to upgrade to newer devices. According to industry norms, Apple usually discontinues a model after it receives around 3 to 4 years of major iOS or iPadOS updates.
For the iPhone 7 Plus, this timeline aligns perfectly with its discontinuation. With the release of the iPhone 8 in 2017 and the iPhone 11 in 2019, Apple essentially had four years to keep the 7 Plus alive, but by mid-2019, the market and tech landscape had shifted significantly, prompting the need to phase out the older model.
Outdated Technology
The iPhone 7 Plus was no longer relevant in terms of technological standards. Key features such as the lack of wireless charging and a glass back quickly made it fall behind newer models like the iPhone 8, which was released in 2017. These newer models featured improved battery life, faster processors, and enhanced user experiences—all critical factors for consumer preferences.
The Role of Refurbished Units:
Even when Apple began refurbishing older models, it still kept a limited stock. Apple typically refrains from refurbishing units that they plan to discontinue support for in the next few years.
Market Demand and Profit Margins
Apple discontinues a model when the demand for it diminishes. At the time of the iPhone 11's release, the market interest in the 7 Plus was waning. The iPhone 11 model offered better features, aesthetics, and user experiences, making it more attractive to consumers.
Why the iPhone 11 Still Stands:
While the iPhone 11 was popular and continues to be sold, the iPhone 11 Pro had unique features such as a premium design, longer battery life, and better cameras that made it more desirable than the 11. Apple's strategic decision to discontinue the 7 Plus while keeping the 11 in production suggests that they prioritized consumer demand and market appeal.
Moreover, having to stock and sell every variant of older models like the 7 Plus, 8, and even the iPhone X would have been logistically challenging and costly for Apple. The company wants to focus on selling the best versions of their products to maintain a competitive edge.
Conclusion and Stock Availability
As of 2018, the iPhone 7 Plus was still in production for 256 GB models, but availability differed based on the store. Some retailers ceased stocking 256 GB units, opting for 32 GB and 128 GB models, which were more in demand.
Ultimately, the discontinuation of the iPhone 7 Plus was a strategic decision by Apple to focus on newer models and maintain a competitive edge in the highly dynamic smartphone market.