The iPhone 6s launched in September 2015 with one memorable marketing line: "The only thing that's changed is everything." In 2026, Apple's stopped updating it, many apps have left, and the hardware is a decade old. But it's also a genuinely capable 4.7" smartphone with a fingerprint sensor, a decent camera, and a chip that handles daily tasks without drama.
The honest question: is it worth using as a daily driver, keeping as a spare, or time to move on?
What the iPhone 6s Actually Is in 2026
The 6s runs an A9 chip with 2GB of RAM — the same specs as the iPad Pro 9.7" and iPad Pro 12.9" first generation. It maxes out at iOS 15.8.3. The camera is a 12MP rear sensor (a significant step up from the iPhone 6's 8MP) with optical image stabilisation on the rear and a 5MP front camera.
It has a 3.5mm headphone jack, Touch ID (first or second generation sensor depending on model), and the A9's Neural Engine-less processing — fast for its era, dated by today's standards. Battery health is the main variable: a 6s with a fresh battery is a different device from one at 75%.
💡 iPhone SE 1st gen (released March 2016) uses the same A9 chip and has the same iOS 15 ceiling. Everything in this article applies equally to the SE 1st gen. The SE has a 4" screen and is significantly cheaper on the used market.
What Still Works on iOS 15
The apps that matter most for day-to-day use on iOS 15 in 2026:
- Messages, FaceTime, Phone — iOS 15 fully supports all core communication. iMessage, FaceTime, and phone calls work normally.
- Maps — Apple Maps on iOS 15 is functional. Google Maps (iOS 14+) also works.
- WhatsApp — iOS 15.1+ required. Still works.
- BBC iPlayer — iOS 15+. Fully supported for UK streaming.
- ITVX / Channel 4 — iOS 14+. Works.
- Amazon Shopping — iOS 16+. Use Safari instead.
- Banking apps — varies significantly. Many UK banking apps now require iOS 16 or higher. Check your specific bank's App Store requirements before relying on a 6s for banking.
- Games — large catalogue of older titles still works. See our best games for iOS 15 guide.
- Podcast apps, audiobook players — most still support iOS 15.
What Doesn't Work Anymore
- YouTube app — requires iOS 16. Safari workaround available.
- Spotify app — requires iOS 16. Safari works for basic playback.
- Instagram — requires iOS 16.
- TikTok — requires iOS 16.
- Most banking apps — many now require iOS 16+. Critical to check.
- Google Chrome — requires iOS 16.
- Most new app releases — the iOS 15 ceiling is increasingly felt in 2026 as developers target iOS 16 as their baseline.
⚠️ Banking is the dealbreaker. If your bank's app has dropped iOS 15 support, the iPhone 6s is no longer viable as a primary phone. Check before committing. Monzo, Revolut, most UK high street banks have moved to iOS 16 minimum.
As a Primary Phone in 2026
Honest answer: increasingly difficult. The camera is fine for casual use. The screen is adequate. But the iOS 15 ceiling now affects core apps — Chrome, Instagram, Spotify, and likely your banking app. If those matter to you, the 6s is struggling as a daily driver.
The practical benchmark: can you get through a day using it? For some people — particularly those who primarily use calls, messages, iPlayer, and a few specific apps — yes. For anyone who relies on social media, streaming, or modern banking apps, the friction will be daily and increasing.
As a Secondary or Spare Phone
This is where the 6s earns its keep in 2026. As a dedicated music player, a travel device loaded with offline content, a kids' phone for calls and Messages, or a spare handset for travel — it remains completely functional. At under £30 on eBay, it's arguably the cheapest way to have a working spare iPhone.
Should You Upgrade?
If budget allows, yes — and you don't need to spend much. A refurbished iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022, iOS 26 capable, A15 chip) can be found for £150–200 on Amazon Renewed and solves every limitation of the 6s while keeping the familiar form factor. An iPhone 11 refurbished sits around £180–220 and is a substantial upgrade on every front.
Our verdict
The iPhone 6s in 2026 is a secondary device, not a daily driver. iOS 15's growing exclusions from key apps make it frustrating as a primary phone — especially if your banking app has moved on. As a spare, travel, or dedicated single-purpose handset, it works fine. At under £30 refurbished, it's still the cheapest entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
Find apps for your iPhone 6s
Filter by iOS 15 to see what's still available — sorted by rating.
Browse iPhone 6s apps →Also see: iPhone 7 in 2026 · Best cheap Apple devices on eBay