Despite Apple officially ending software support for older iPhones, including the iPhone X series and earlier, recent reports suggest that the iPhone 6s is still being upgraded to iOS 15.8.4 in 2025.
This revelation has sparked curiosity among users of vintage Apple devices, raising questions about the iPhone 6s’ viability in today’s app ecosystem.
Apple previously announced the end of major iOS updates for the iPhone 6s, which originally launched in 2015. The last official iOS version supported by the iPhone 6s was iOS 15.7.
However, many core applications such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and Google Maps now require iOS 15 or higher to function properly. This compatibility has allowed iPhone 6s users to continue using their devices for daily tasks even in mid-2025.
Although no newer iOS versions (like iOS 16 or iOS 17) are being pushed to the iPhone 6s, users can still upgrade their phones to iOS 15.8.4 if they haven’t done so already. This means the device remains semi-relevant, particularly in regions where affordable and functional smartphones are in demand.
While performance and security updates are no longer provided, the fact that the iPhone 6s can still run iOS 15 makes it usable for lightweight tasks such as messaging, web browsing, and media consumption.
For those still holding onto the iPhone 6s, this news offers a temporary sigh of relief. However, with the growing demand for apps requiring newer system architectures, the need to eventually upgrade to a more recent model is becoming increasingly important.
To update your iPhone 6s to iOS 15.8.4, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If the update is available, tap Download and Install. Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has at least 50% battery life or is plugged into a charger.
If you don’t see the update, your phone may already be running iOS 15.8.4, which is the latest supported version for the iPhone 6s as of 2025. It’s also recommended to back up your data via iCloud or iTunes before installing the update.