Ships from the USA
Screen + Lens Kit
SSL encrypted
Specifications ▾
Shipping ▾
Returns ▾
Description
Why the iPhone 7 Plus Waterproof Case in Rugged Black Is Essential for Outdoor Workers and Poolside Parents
Your iPhone 7 Plus slips out of your jacket pocket at the dock, hits the boards, and rolls straight into the lake — and you fish it out, wipe it on your shirt, and check your messages. That is what the Gorilla Cases iPhone 7 Plus Waterproof Case is built for. It seals the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus (2016) inside a fully gasketed, IP68-rated shell that survives submersion to 6.6 ft / 2 m for up to 30 minutes and drops onto concrete from 6.6 ft / 2 m. Built for construction crews, boaters, swimmers, landscapers, snow-country commuters, and parents who live within splash range of a pool, this is the best iPhone 7 Plus waterproof case for anyone keeping a still-great phone alive for years more. The matte black finish reads tactical rather than bulky, and every button, port, and the Touch ID sensor stays fully usable while sealed. The Gorilla Family does not check the forecast before leaving the house — and with this case, neither does your iPhone 7 Plus.
Key Features
- Matte black tactical finish: low-glare, anti-slip texture that stays grippy with wet hands and work gloves.
- Premium materials: impact-rated polycarbonate frame, shock-absorbing TPU bumper zones, and a built-in scratch-resistant front membrane.
- Case type: full-body, two-piece sealed waterproof case that snaps closed around the entire phone.
- IP68 waterproof rating: certified submersible to 6.6 ft / 2 m for 30 minutes — rain, spills, pools, lakes, and snow are all survivable.
- Sound-permeable membranes: acoustic vents keep calls, music, and alarms clear while keeping water out.
- Screen protection: integrated touch-sensitive front cover guards the big 5.5-inch Retina display edge to edge — no separate screen protector needed.
- Camera protection: optically clear, anti-fog lens window covers the dual 12MP cameras for distortion-free underwater photos.
- Drop protection: shockproof to 6.6 ft / 2 m onto hard surfaces with reinforced corners where impacts actually land.
- Charging compatibility: the Lightning port sits behind a sealed flip cover — wired charging works normally. This is not a magnetic case; the iPhone 7 Plus has no wireless charging hardware, so cable charging is the plan either way.
- Compatibility: fits the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus (2016) ONLY. It does NOT fit the iPhone 7 (4.7 inch), iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone SE (2020/2022), or any newer iPhone.
Materials Explained — What Polycarbonate and TPU Actually Feel Like
The rigid outer frame is polycarbonate — the same impact-rated plastic used in bike helmets and riot shields. On a sealed case it does a second job beyond impact resistance: it keeps the waterproof gasket compressed evenly around the whole perimeter, so the seal cannot creep open in a tool bag or beach tote.
The corner and edge zones are TPU, short for thermoplastic polyurethane — the flexible, rubbery material you know from running-shoe soles and hockey puck rims. TPU gives slightly when you press it, and that give is the point: it absorbs impact energy instead of passing it through to the phone, turning a 6.6 ft / 2 m drop into a non-event.
Across the front sits a clear, touch-sensitive membrane that protects the display while staying responsive — after a day you stop noticing it. The whole case weighs about 2.9 oz (82 g) and adds roughly 2.8 mm of thickness, restrained numbers for a fully sealed shell around a 5.5-inch phone.
Browse More iPhone 7 Plus Cases
Want to weigh this sealed waterproof build against slimmer everyday styles? Browse the full iPhone 7 Plus cases collection — shop now and find the right protective phone case for your lifestyle.
Real-World Use Cases
- The Construction Worker: drops the phone off a scaffold into a muddy puddle, hoses the case off at lunch, and never loses a contact.
- The Poolside Parent: films swim lessons from the water's edge knowing a toddler-induced dunk is a 30-minute non-issue.
- The Boater: keeps the phone clipped on deck in spray and rain, and still takes calls clearly through the acoustic membranes.
- The Winter Commuter: shrugs off snowbanks, slush splashes, and sub-zero bus stops with the sealed shell and grippy matte finish.
- The Budget Keeper: protects a paid-off iPhone 7 Plus for years longer instead of financing an upgrade — serious protection under $50.
Feature-to-Benefit Mapping
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| IP68 sealed shell | Survives full submersion to 6.6 ft / 2 m for 30 minutes — pools, lakes, and rainstorms included |
| Shockproof TPU corners | Absorbs 6.6 ft / 2 m drops onto concrete without cracking the phone |
| Built-in front membrane | Edge-to-edge coverage for the 5.5-inch display with no separate protector to buy |
| Anti-fog dual-lens window | Clear underwater and rainy-day photos from both 12MP cameras |
| 2.9 oz / 82 g total weight | Full sealed protection that still fits a jeans pocket despite the Plus-size screen |
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Wipe your iPhone 7 Plus with a microfiber cloth so no grit gets trapped inside the sealed shell.
- Open the two-piece case and lay the phone face-down into the front half, aligning the screen with the touch membrane.
- Press the rear half on starting from the top edge, working around the frame until every clip clicks audibly.
- Run a fingernail around the seam to confirm the seal is fully closed, and press the charging-port cover flat.
- Test buttons, Touch ID, speaker, and the Lightning port — and before any swim, run a 30-minute dunk test with a paper towel inside instead of your phone.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Touchscreen feels less responsive after installation? Press the front membrane gently against the glass to push out the air gap; sensitivity returns once the layers sit flush.
- Calls sound slightly muffled? Make sure the speaker vents are dry — a quick shake and a minute of air-drying after submersion restores full volume.
- Seal looks open at one corner? Reopen the case fully and re-snap that section; never force a partially seated clip, as it can deform the gasket.
- Touch ID needs two tries? Dry both your finger and the home-button membrane — moisture is almost always the culprit, and your passcode always works through the cover.
- Case grimy after the job site or beach? Rinse with mild soap and warm water only — skip alcohol wipes, which can dull the matte coating over time.
FAQs
Which phones does this case fit?
It fits the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus (2016) only. It does NOT fit the iPhone 7 (4.7 inch), iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone SE (2020/2022), or any newer iPhone. For the smaller model, see our iPhone 7/8 waterproof case.
How waterproof is it, exactly?
IP68: fully submersible to 6.6 ft / 2 m for up to 30 minutes. That covers rain, spills, pools, lakes, and the dreaded toilet drop — it is not rated for sustained deep diving.
What is the drop protection rating?
Shockproof-rated for drops of 6.6 ft / 2 m onto hard surfaces, with reinforced TPU corners absorbing the impact.
Is this case MagSafe or wireless-charging compatible?
No — it is not a magnetic case, and the iPhone 7 Plus has no wireless charging hardware anyway. Charge by Lightning cable through the sealed flip-open port cover.
Can I charge without removing the case?
Yes. Open the gasketed port cover and plug in a standard Lightning cable; most slim third-party cables fit as well.
Does Touch ID still work?
Yes — the home button is covered by a flexible sealed membrane. Most users unlock normally; wet fingers may need a second try, and your passcode always works.
Can I take underwater photos?
Yes. The optically clear, anti-fog window covers both 12MP lenses, so photos and video stay sharp within the 6.6 ft / 2 m, 30-minute rating.
Do I need a separate screen protector?
No. The built-in front membrane covers the 5.5-inch display edge to edge. Do not add a glass protector underneath — it will break the seal's fit.
Does the case muffle sound?
No. Sound-permeable acoustic membranes keep calls, music, and alarms clear while blocking water.
Are the buttons and the mute switch accessible?
Yes — volume, power, and the ring/silent switch all operate through sealed covers, and the headphone-adapter cutout works with the port cover open.
Is it safe for salt water?
Yes — rinse the case with fresh water after ocean or salty exposure and dry the sealing edges before the next use to keep the gasket in top shape.
Will it yellow or fade over time?
No — the matte black shell is UV-stable and color-fast, with no clear plastic to yellow through seasons of outdoor use.
Is it slim enough for everyday carry?
Yes — at 2.9 oz / 82 g and about 2.8 mm of added thickness, it is one of the slimmer fully sealed cases you can put on a Plus-size iPhone.
Is it a good gift?
Very — it is the practical pick for anyone still running an iPhone 7 Plus, and free 30-day returns make it risk-free for the recipient.
What is the return policy?
Yes — Gorilla Cases offers free 30-day returns on all iPhone 7 Plus cases. If the case doesn't fit your iPhone 7 Plus or you're not satisfied, contact our team within 30 days for a fast replacement or full refund. No restocking fees.
Why Gorilla Cases?
Gorilla Cases exists because phones keep getting more expensive while life keeps getting no gentler. The Gorilla Family trusts us because we drop-test every design, dunk-test every seal, and print honest numbers — if a feature has a limit, we tell you what it is. Every case is backed by free 30-day returns. Your iPhone 7 Plus has earned a few more good years; this case makes sure it gets them. Shop now at gorillacasestore.com
Read More From Gorilla Case Blogs
Want the deeper story on this sealed design? Read Waterproof iPhone 7 case with drop protection (black), then see how sealed cases compare across brands and models in Best Waterproof and MagSafe Tech Cases for 2026.