iPhone 7 in Jet Black: MUCH Better Grip in the Hand + SIM-Free iPhone 7 Now Available
Apple is now selling SIM-free iPhone 7 models that work with any carrier. Background.
- Apple iPhone 7: New Features I Like
- Apple iPhone 7 Caution: GSM-only model lacks CDMA network support, precluding future use with Verizon or Sprint
- iPhone 7: Apple will not sell unlocked iPhone with both GSM and CDMA, but maybe in a a few weeks
- iOS 10 Supports Color Spaces
I had now desire for the Jet Black finish, but now it’s the only model I will consider—see discussion below.

Finish and grip
(!) Grippy or not, I drop my iPhone 6s Plus regularly; see NewerTech NuGuard KX Case for iPhone 7 / iPhone 7 Plus (saved my iPhone 6s Plus several times).
Reader Serko A had written me about a week ago stating that the iPhone 7 in Jet Black was “really grippy”. I did not really understand how this could be, so I visited an Apple retail store and compared the Jet Black model to all the other finishes.
Indeed, the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus in Jet Black has much more friction to the hand than the other finishes—rather counterintuitive given its ultra-shiny finish. I had not considered the Jet Black model, but I found the difference so compelling that this is the only finish I will consider now. Why? Because I think the risk of dropping the phone is greatly reduced versus the finish of other models.
The only problem is availability, which is terrible.

John W writes:
I’ve had my iPhone 7 Plus, Jet Black, for some weeks now and solidly agree about the improved grip of this finish. I’m picky about grip security, as there are many times where I have exclusively one hand available, e.g. on a crowded metro bus. This is the first iPhone since the 3G that I’ve felt comfortable using without a case. No problems with scratches thus far, but I expect it will acquire some mild patina of wear over time.
MPG: aditional confirmation.