The following may help -- I've not done it this way, so read the information carefully as there may be : iTunes for Mac: Sync contacts, calendars, and other info with iPod, iPhone, or iPad
One method, if you are using the same Apple ID on the Mac and new iPhone, would be to use iCloud to sync the contacts. On the Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Contacts on will sync the contacts with iCloud. On the iPhone: Settings > [username] > iCloud > Contacts to sync to the phone.
Not sure I understand what you did and what you mean about 4 years ago as the iPhone 7 didn't exist 4 years ago.
If the problem is with your Mac and if the contacts are also on the first iPhone 7 you can also sync directly between those two by turning on Settings > [username] > iCloud > Contacts in both of those phones.
If you aren't sure if you already have contacts synced to iCloud, you can use any computer and log in to www.icloud.com and look at the Contacts app there.
Sorry the contacts that are saved on icloud are from about 4 years ago. Is there no way i can just view the contacts on itunes on the mac i backed it up to and then sync them directly onto the new iphone, or send them via bluetooth. Its not as easy to do it from icloud as I have 2 different apple ids one personal and one for work.
I did do that but it was not update, must of been from about 4 years ago.
Transfer only contacts.
