I still use an iPhone 4s and a first generation iPad. The devices I have are in perfect working condition, and they fulfill my needs. It's not a stubborn "refusing to update", but simply a "there's nothing about an iPhone 7 that's worth $649 to me".
Apple keeps old copies of apps for old versions of the OS almost for ever. My youngest was using my old iPhone 3GS until last September. I was still able to download an app from the App Store I bought for it long ago, but which hasn't been available to buy in the store for years and only supported ancient versions of the OS.
Edit: Well now you edited your response and mine doesn't make sense :/