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 2026.
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 11 years old in 2026. 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. iPhone 6s is limited to iOS 15, which was released in 2021. The latest iOS version is iOS 26. iPhone 6s is behind for 4 major iOS versions (iOS 16, 17, 18, 26).
Although Apple surprisingly released a security patch in Jan 2026, it doesn’t change the fact that iPhone 6s is:
That means no new features, 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.
It depends on what you need. You can still power on the phone, as long as it’s not defective. You can still use it for basic tasks. However, as mentioned in the previous section about the Apple Software Support, iPhone 6s doesn’t support the new iOS, new features, or new apps. To give you more details, we have compared iOS 15 vs iOS 26 as below:
| Category | iOS 15 (iPhone 6s) | iOS 26 (Latest) | What iPhone 6s Is Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Era | 2021 | 2025 | 4+ years of platform evolution |
| Lock Screen | Basic notifications | Fully customizable Lock Screen, widgets, live updates | No Lock Screen widgets or customization |
| Home Screen | Static widgets (limited) | Interactive widgets | No interactive widgets |
| Apple Intelligence | Not supported | AI-powered writing tools, summaries, system intelligence | No on-device AI features |
| Live Activities | Not available | Real-time ride, delivery, sports tracking | No Live Activities support |
| Dynamic Island | Not supported | Deep system integration (alerts, calls, navigation) | No Dynamic Island features |
| Messages | Basic iMessage | Message editing, unsend, enhanced reactions | Cannot edit or unsend texts |
| FaceTime | Basic video calling | FaceTime reactions, video voicemail, hand gestures | No advanced FaceTime features |
| Photos App | Standard organization | Smart search, AI object detection, advanced cleanup | Limited search and editing tools |
| Safari | Standard privacy | Advanced passkeys, improved anti-tracking | No Passkeys support |
| Wallet | Basic Apple Pay | Enhanced Wallet IDs, digital car keys, tracking | Limited Wallet functionality |
| Security Updates | Security-only patches | Active OS + security updates | No new security architecture |
| App Compatibility | Increasingly limited | Full support for modern apps | Some new apps require iOS 16+ |
| 5G Features | Not supported (hardware limit) | Advanced 5G optimization | No 5G capability |
| Emergency Features | Basic Emergency SOS | Crash Detection, Emergency via Satellite | No crash detection or satellite SOS |
| Performance Optimization | Built for A9 chip | Optimized for A16–A18 chips | Slower experience with modern apps |
1. No Apple Intelligence
iOS 26 introduces system-level AI (writing tools, summarization, smart replies). The iPhone 6s cannot support these features due to hardware limitations (A9 chip + RAM constraints).
2. No Lock Screen Customization
Starting in iOS 16, Apple completely redesigned the Lock Screen. iPhone 6s users still see the pre-2022 design.
3. No Live Activities
Food delivery tracking, Uber arrival countdowns, sports scores — none of these appear on iPhone 6s.
4. Increasing App Incompatibility
Many banking apps, productivity apps, and social media apps now require iOS 16 or newer.
5. Security Architecture Gap
While iOS 15 still receives occasional security patches, it lacks:
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 2026.
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.
They:
| Feature | iPhone 6s | iPhone SE 2nd Gen | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 | 2020 | 2022 |
| Starting Price (Certified Used) | Out of Stock | $110+ | $130+ |
| Chip | A9 | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Performance Level | Very outdated | Still fast | Flagship-level (same chip as iPhone 13) |
| iOS Support | iOS 15 (max) | iOS 26 supported | iOS 26 supported |
| 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB | 4GB |
| Display | 4.7” Retina | 4.7” Retina HD | 4.7” Retina HD |
| Camera | 12MP (basic) | 12MP w/ Smart HDR | 12MP w/ Deep Fusion + Smart HDR 4 |
| Battery Life | Poor (aging batteries) | Good | Best of the three |
| Security Updates | Limited | Full support | Longest future support |
| Apple Intelligence | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No (hardware limited) |
| Touch ID | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Water Resistance | ❌ No | IP67 | IP67 |
1. Performance Jump Is Massive
The SE 3 uses the same chip family found in the iPhone 13 series — meaning it still feels modern in 2026.
2. Software Support Gap
If longevity matters, the SE 3 clearly wins.
3. 5G Support
Only the SE 3 supports 5G. For buyers keeping a phone 3–4 years, this matters.
4. RAM Upgrade = Better Multitasking
This alone makes SE 3 feel significantly more future-proof.
🔹 Choose iPhone SE 2 ($110+) if:
🔹 Choose iPhone SE 3 ($130+) if:
For just $20 more, the SE 3 is the better long-term investment.
| Model | Best For | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s | Ultra-light use only | Not recommended |
| iPhone SE 2nd Gen | Budget short-term upgrade | Good |
| iPhone SE 3rd Gen | Budget long-term value | Best Choice |
The iPhone 6s is technically still usable in 2026 — but that doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.
Yes, it can still turn on.
Yes, it can still make calls and send texts.
And yes, Apple even surprised users with a security patch in early 2026.
But the reality is clear:
For under $100, it may look like a bargain. But in practice, it often feels frustrating, limited, and outdated.
If you're shopping on a tight budget, a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone SE (2nd generation) starting at $110+ or iPhone SE (3rd generation) starting at $130+ is a dramatically better choice.
For just $20 more than the SE 2, the SE 3 gives you:
👉 In 2026, the iPhone 6s is no longer a smart purchase. If you want a reliable, affordable iPhone that still supports modern iOS and apps, the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the better long-term investment.
No. The iPhone 6s is limited to iOS 15. While Apple occasionally releases minor security patches, it no longer receives major iOS updates or new features.
Some apps still work, but many banking, productivity, and social media apps now require iOS 16 or newer. Compatibility will continue to decline.
It can still function, but it lacks modern security architecture introduced in newer iOS versions. Over time, this increases risk compared to supported devices.
Technically, you can still power on and use it, as long as it still functions. However, we don’t recommend it in 2026 because it is behind on 4 major iOS releases and is limited to iOS 15 (released in 2021).
The A9 chip and 2GB RAM were powerful in 2015, but modern apps are built for newer processors. Combined with aging batteries, this results in lag and app reloads.
No. Even if you find one under $100, the limited software support and aging hardware make it a poor long-term choice.
The iPhone SE 2nd Gen ($110+) is the minimum we recommend. However, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($130+) offers better performance, 5G support, and longer future software updates — making it the smarter buy.
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