Can I update iOS 16 on my iPhone 7?

The iPhone 7 cannot update to iOS 16. iOS 15.8.4 was the last update for the iPhone 7. No more updates for the iPhone 7.

You need an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X to run iOS 16.

But, since you will be looking for a new phone, it would sense to make sure that the phone will run iOS 18.

Sorry, but iOS 15 is as far as a “7” can be updated.

Newer OSs require newer phones on which to run.

OBE.

Re: “But, since you will be looking for a new phone, it would sense to make sure that the phone will run iOS 18.”

… and that it will be compatible with iOS 26.

Just about any phone that can run iOS 18 will run iOS 26. Here is the list that will run iOS 26. iPhone 15 or 16 recommended.

Dupe deleted.

Re: “Xs / Xr failed to make the “cut” for iOS 26.”

XS Max rounds out that list.