Wondering whether your old iPhone can still get run the latest version of iOS? iPhones generally receive software updates for about 5 years, but that's not a hard rule.
How long does Apple support iOS? As of 2023, Apple supports the last two versions of its operating systems for bug and security updates: iOS 16 and iOS 15. All phones that could run iOS 14 and iOS 13 are able to run iOS 15, so that means all phones from iPhone 6s forwards are supported.
Check for and install the latest software.
Select your iPhone > General > Check for Update. If there is an update available, select "Update." On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. Then, connect your device to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
This means any phones introduced in 2016 or earlier, including the iPhone 6S, iPhone SE and iPhone 7, won't be getting Apple software updates anymore. It's not an unexpected move, given that the company regularly retires software support on older devices.
Apple is said to drop software support for three iPhones in 2023. The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X may not get iOS 17 update.
Check whether your iPhone is eligible for an update
Some older iPhone models may not support the latest iOS updates. For example, iOS 15 is only compatible with iPhone 6 or newer models. A new version of iOS should only be downloaded with a compatible device, or your iPhone may slow down and apps may not work.
An "obsolete" iPhone is one which Apple has discontinued all hardware support for in all regions, without exceptions. This means that repair shops and other service providers can't order repair parts for obsolete models.
Your device isn't compatible
Most manufacturers support Android updates on phones up to two years old, and because manufacturers release new smartphone models constantly, there isn't much incentive for updating older models.
Two-thirds of the phones that arrive at the USMP facility get data-wiped, cleaned up and sold off to wholesalers, often overseas. The other third goes to its sister company, Back in the Box, to be cleaned up, refurbished and sold to buyers on Amazon or Back Market, a popular secondhand-phone marketplace.
On June 6, 2022, Apple announced on its website that iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will not receive support for iOS 16.
The iPhone 6 is still a good phone in 2023. When it comes to performance in most apps, the iPhone 6 is still quick enough. However, for more intensive applications like games and photo/video editors, this older iPhone can struggle. For general use, however, the iPhone 6 is still quite capable.
With iOS 16, Apple is ending software support for the following devices: the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Basically, if you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-gen iPhone SE), you can download and run iOS 16.
You might be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly — or over the air — for one of these reasons: Your device doesn't support the latest software. There isn't enough available storage space on your device. The update takes a long time to download.
To update your iPhone or iPad, you need a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough storage. It also helps to keep your device connected to a power source.
iOS 15 is the final version of iOS that supports the iPhone 6S & 6S Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 & 7 Plus and iPod Touch, as its successor, iOS 16, drops support for those models, including the seventh-generation iPod Touch.
An iPhone 6 can't be updated beyond 12.5. 5, it doesn't have the hardware needed to run a higher iOS. If you need to run a higher iOS, you will need to purchase a newer phone capable of running the latest operating system.
Updated Jan 20, 2023 - Yes, the iPhone 6s is still a good phone.
US-based tech giant Apple Inc may exclude the iPhone SE 4 from its new product planning for 2024/2025.
Your phone may start to slow down
Sometimes, updates aren't designed to fix problems or protect your device. Instead, they're made to improve its performance by streamlining the operating system or making the code more efficient. In some cases, this slowdown may occur over time, the more you use your phone.