Upon its release, the iPhone 7 exceeded all expectations; not only did the device reach unheard of heights for preorders, but the iPhone 7 Plus sold so well that order delivery dates have been pushed back to November. While Apple is one of the largest providers of smart devices, the company itself was shocked to see the immediate popularity of the new member of the iDevice family. What makes the iPhone 7 the greatest device around, though?

Through years, Apple has released a new device annually, one new smartphone varying from all those before it. However, with the release of the iPhone 6s, users were greeted with a change in the pattern: this phone was physically identical to its predecessor. Again in the release of the iPhone 7, Apple clings to a similar design found in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. While some find this to be highly unlike Apple, most users reported being pleased to discover that the iPhone 7 would physically mimic the previous device, as these smartphones set the standard for ideal handheld design.

Though the device is familiar, there are many new features to the topical design. One of the largest and most anticipated changes was the removal of the headphone jack. As some users feared, the device no longer features the much needed headphone jack; however, this is not the end of the line for earbuds. Apple has created a lightning port connector, which plugs into the phone just like the lightning charge cable, but features a headphone port on the end. While this design might impose on the user, and is somewhat unconventional when charging the phone, this small revision in design made room for a second side of stereo speakers.

Aside from a missing headphone jack, the new iPhone 7 is lacking another key component found in all phones before it: a physical home button. Apple has opted to trade out the stiff click of its original home button design for a force touch trackpad, similar to that found in the MacBook, that senses pressure and produces a haptic “click” vibration to alert the user that it has registered touch. After reports of home buttons wearing down and eventually ceasing to work all together in previous generations of the iPhone, Apple felt it was time to introduce the solution of a track-touch home button which will not face the usual wear-and-tear.

While all the new features of the iPhone 7 are eye catching, the most practical addition to the device would be its water resistance. Though Apple still warns that users should exercise caution and avoid fully submerging the phone, the new iPhone offers a step up from its ancestors by providing an extra layer of security when it comes to moisture. To be specific, the phone is classified as IP67 resistant, meaning it can handle up to one meter of water and be submerged for around thirty minutes while still maintaining a chance of survival. That being said, Apple still warns that users should allow the phone to dry out after being exposed to water before attempting to use or charge the device.

Finally, the iPhone 7 introduces one of the greatest device cameras seen in smartphones yet. Along with a better optical lens, Apple has introduced Optic Image Stabilization (OIS) with both the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. The clarity of photographs taken with the new device is greatly increased due to OIS, as well as the addition of a slightly wider f1.8- aperture lens to let in more light. However, users see the greatest camera change in the iPhone 7 Plus, which features a dual camera, allowing 2x optical zoom or greater digital zoom. Apple recommends the iPhone 7 Plus for those who desire quality photos due to the addition of the optical zoom lens and a larger screen for better editing.

Overall, the iPhone 7 is a wonderful phone; it would not be in such high demand otherwise. Like most new devices, the iPhone retails for $700 new, which matches the release price of the iPhones before it. While some changes in the new device will take time to adjust to, the iPhone 7 promises quality performance, better photographs, more functionality than its predecessors and many other new features to be enjoyed by users everywhere. What is not to like?