Are You Going to Get iPhone 6? Honest Take

No, you should not buy an iPhone 6 in 2025. Apple stopped supporting the iPhone 6 with iOS updates in 2019, and most modern apps and websites no longer work reliably on its old hardware and software. If you are considering one as a cheap backup phone or for a child, this article explains exactly what you can and cannot do with it, how it compares to modern budget phones, and what to buy instead.

Why the iPhone 6 Is Obsolete

The iPhone 6 launched in September 2014 with iOS 8. Apple supported it through iOS 12, released in 2018, and stopped issuing security updates for it in 2019. That means the phone has not received a single security patch in over five years. In practice, this means:

Many current apps require iOS 13 or later and simply will not install.
Banks, email, and social media apps that do run may crash or show blank screens.
Websites using modern JavaScript often load slowly or not at all.
Known security vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making it risky for any sensitive use.

The hardware itself is also dated: the A8 chip and 1GB of RAM struggle with even basic multitasking. The 2014-era 8-megapixel camera is far behind any current budget phone, and the battery—if original—likely holds less than 80% of its design capacity after a decade.

What the iPhone 6 Can Still Do

It is not completely useless. With a fresh battery and a clean install of iOS 12, the iPhone 6 can handle a few light tasks:

Make and receive calls and texts (SMS and iMessage).
Play music and podcasts through the headphone jack or Bluetooth.
Take basic photos in good light.
Run older versions of apps that are already installed, like a pre-2019 version of Facebook or YouTube.
Use Safari for simple, text-heavy websites.

It can also serve as a dedicated music player or a Wi-Fi-only device for a child who only needs a few games. But you must accept that it will not receive any new features, app updates, or security fixes.

iPhone 6 vs. Modern Budget Phones

Any new budget phone—Android or iPhone SE—outperforms the iPhone 6 in every measurable way. For example, a $200 Android phone from 2023 has at least 4GB of RAM, a better screen, a faster processor, and receives security updates for several years. The iPhone 6 has 1GB of RAM, a 4.7-inch 750p display, and no updates at all.

Even the iPhone SE (2022), which Apple sells as its budget model, is dramatically faster and supports the latest iOS. If you are comparing used phones, a used iPhone 8 or iPhone XR from 2017-2018 will run current apps and receive iOS 16 or 17, though they too are nearing the end of support. The iPhone 6 is not in the same league.

Common Problems with iPhone 6

Owners of the iPhone 6 frequently report issues that are now widespread due to age:

Battery drain: The battery degrades with every charge cycle. After 500 cycles, it holds about 80% of its original capacity, and most iPhone 6 batteries have far exceeded that.
Slow performance: iOS 12 was the last version, and even it can lag on the A8 chip, especially with multiple apps open.
App incompatibility: As developers update their apps to require newer iOS versions, the iPhone 6 gets left behind. WhatsApp, for example, requires iOS 12 or later, but newer versions may not work.
Touch disease: A known hardware issue caused the touchscreen to become unresponsive, often after a slight bend. Apple never issued a recall for it.
Bending: The aluminum body can bend under pressure, a widely reported problem at launch.

If you already own an iPhone 6 and it works, you can mitigate some issues by turning off background app refresh, reducing motion, and using low power mode. But these are temporary fixes.

How to Check If an iPhone 6 Is Right for You

Ask yourself these questions before buying or keeping one:

What will I use it for? If it is only for calls and texts, it might work. If you need banking, navigation, or modern social media, it will not.
Do I need security? If you plan to enter passwords, access email, or use any financial app, the lack of security updates is a dealbreaker.
What is my budget? A new budget phone costs $150-$300 and will last 3-4 years. A used iPhone 6 costs $30-$50 and will not last a year without issues.
Can I replace the battery? If you already own one, a $30 battery replacement can extend its life for light use. But that money is better put toward a newer phone.

Alternatives to the iPhone 6

If you need a cheap, reliable smartphone today, consider these options instead:

iPhone SE (2022): Apple’s current budget phone, with the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13. It costs around $429 new, but you can find used ones for $250. It will receive iOS updates for years.
iPhone 8 or XR (used): These are 2017-2018 models that support iOS 16 and 17. They cost $100-$150 used and are far more capable than the iPhone 6.
Budget Android phones: The Moto G series and Samsung Galaxy A series, in the $150-$250 range, offer modern performance, long battery life, and security updates.
Dumb phones: If you only need calls and texts, a basic feature phone like the Nokia 3310 or a KaiOS phone costs under $100 and avoids the security issues entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on an iPhone 6?

WhatsApp requires iOS 12 or later, and the iPhone 6 can run iOS 12. However, WhatsApp periodically raises its minimum iOS version. As of 2025, the latest WhatsApp versions may require iOS 15 or higher, which the iPhone 6 cannot install. You might be able to use an older version, but it will eventually stop working.

Will the iPhone 6 get iOS 13?

No. Apple ended support for the iPhone 6 with iOS 12, released in 2018. The iPhone 6 cannot upgrade to iOS 13 or any later version.

Is the iPhone 6 good for a child?

It can be, if the child only needs to call and text and you are comfortable with the lack of security updates. However, many modern apps for kids—like educational games or video chat—require newer iOS versions. A used iPhone 8 or a budget Android phone is a safer and more useful choice.

Can I use the iPhone 6 as a Wi-Fi-only device?

Yes, you can use it without a SIM card for games, music, and web browsing on Wi-Fi. But the same app compatibility and security issues apply. It may be fine for a toddler playing offline games, but not for anything requiring internet access.

How much is an iPhone 6 worth in 2025?

Trade-in value is essentially zero—Apple does not accept it for trade-in. On the secondhand market, it sells for $20-$50 depending on condition and storage. That low price reflects its lack of support and performance.

Can I replace the battery in an iPhone 6?

Yes, you can. Apple no longer offers official battery replacements for the iPhone 6, but third-party repair shops sell batteries for around $20-$40. Replacing the battery can improve performance and battery life, but it will not solve the app compatibility or security issues.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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