The iPhone 6s was a fan favorite when it launched in 2015—and even years later, some people are still curious about buying it. Whether it’s for a backup phone, a first device for a child, or simply because it can sometimes be found under $100, the iPhone 6s still shows up in search results in 2025.
But just because it's cheap doesn't mean it’s a smart purchase. Let’s break down exactly how old the 6s is, whether it’s still supported by Apple, and what problems you can expect if you decide to use one today.
The iPhone 6s was released in September 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025. In tech terms, that’s ancient. Most smartphones aren’t expected to last more than 5 to 6 years before becoming obsolete—and the 6s has doubled that.
While it was a game changer in its time (introducing 3D Touch and improved cameras), today it simply can’t keep up with modern apps, updates, and usage demands.
No, the iPhone 6s is no longer supported by Apple. It received its final major iOS update—iOS 15—in 2021. Since then, it has stopped receiving:
That means no new features, no bug fixes, and a growing number of apps that no longer work properly or update at all. For most users, this creates both security risks and daily frustrations.
Using an iPhone 6s today might seem like a way to save money, but it comes with some major drawbacks:
In short, the iPhone 6s no longer provides the reliable, smooth experience Apple is known for. Even if you find one for under $100, it may feel more like a hassle than a bargain.
Even if you manage to find a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 6s, we don’t recommend buying it. The phone is simply too outdated to meet the needs of most users in 2025.
At best, it can handle basic tasks like calling or texting—but even those can be unreliable if the battery is weak or the phone lags. You also miss out on app compatibility, security patches, and even some basic services that require newer iOS versions.
Plus, Certified sellers rarely carry the iPhone 6s anymore, which means you're more likely to find unverified listings from third-party marketplaces with no guarantees. Even at under $100, it's not worth the headaches.
If you’re shopping on a budget, there are far better options than the iPhone 6s. Let’s compare it to two of the best-value models available in 2025: the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12.
| Feature | iPhone 6s | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Display | 4.7" LCD | 6.1" LCD | 6.1" OLED |
| Chipset | A9 | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera System | Single 12MP | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Face ID | No | Yes | Yes |
| iOS Support in 2025 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Poor (degraded) | Good | Excellent |
| 5G Support | No | No | Yes |
| Starting Price (2025) | Under $100 | ~$140+ | ~$170+ |
The jump from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 11 is massive. With the iPhone 11, you get a much larger and more vibrant 6.1-inch screen, faster and smoother performance with the A13 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system that takes far better photos—especially in low light. Face ID replaces the old Home button, and battery life improves significantly. Most importantly, the iPhone 11 still receives iOS updates, which means better security, compatibility, and access to all the latest apps.
The iPhone 12 takes everything great about the iPhone 11 and elevates it further. It has a sharper and more colorful 6.1-inch OLED display, 5G support for faster internet, and a thinner, more modern flat-edge design. The A14 Bionic chip is even faster and more efficient, and MagSafe charging adds a layer of convenience the iPhone 11 doesn’t offer. For just around $30 more than the iPhone 11, the 12 is a future-proof option that still feels like a current-generation device in 2025.
You may come across listings for the iPhone XS, and while it’s newer than the 6s, we still don’t recommend it in 2025. Here's why:
In short, the iPhone XS just doesn’t offer enough value anymore. If you're already spending over $150, the iPhone 11 or even the iPhone 12 (for $170+) is a far smarter purchase.
In 2025, the iPhone 6s is no longer a smart purchase—even if it costs less than $100. It’s no longer supported by Apple, it struggles to run modern apps, and its aging hardware and battery make it a frustrating experience for everyday use.
Instead, we recommend spending a bit more to get something that will actually serve you well. The iPhone 11 (starting at $140+) offers modern performance, cameras, and iOS updates. If your budget allows, the iPhone 12 (starting at $170+) gives you 5G, an OLED screen, and a sleeker design—making it one of the best deals in 2025.
Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, you'll get more value, performance, and peace of mind by skipping the 6s and going with a newer model.
You may find it for under $100, but it’s rarely available from certified sellers. Most listings are from third parties without guarantees.
Technically yes—for calling, texting, or light browsing. But you’ll likely deal with lag, crashes, and poor battery performance.
No. Apple ended iOS support after iOS 15, which means no new features, no security patches, and limited app compatibility.
It’s risky. Unsupported devices are more vulnerable to malware, data leaks, and compatibility issues with essential apps.
The iPhone 11, starting at around $140 on UpTrade, is the best option. It offers modern features, solid performance, and ongoing support.
Market demand and supply have made the iPhone 11 more affordable—and it outperforms the XS in battery life, durability, and longevity.
Visit UpTrade, where you can compare listings from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, and BestBuy—all in one place.
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