The iPhone 6s Plus was released in September 2015, making it over 8 years old as of 2024.
The Launch and Lifespan of the iPhone 6s Plus
The iPhone 6s Plus officially hit the market on September 25, 2015. Apple announced it alongside its smaller sibling, the iPhone 6s, at a special event earlier that month. This model marked an important step in Apple’s smartphone evolution, introducing advanced features such as 3D Touch and a more powerful A9 chip. The “Plus” variant, with its larger screen size and enhanced battery life, catered to users who preferred bigger displays without sacrificing performance.
Over the years, Apple supported the iPhone 6s Plus with software updates for nearly five years. It initially shipped with iOS 9 and received updates up to iOS 15. However, by late 2021, Apple ceased providing major software upgrades for this model. That means users have been using a phone that is no longer receiving new features or security patches from Apple for almost two years now.
Despite this, the device remains functional for many daily tasks like calls, texting, and basic apps. Its longevity is a testament to Apple’s hardware quality and optimization efforts during its prime.
Design and Hardware Features That Defined Its Era
The iPhone 6s Plus was notable for its design continuity from the previous generation but packed with significant internal improvements. It featured a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which was considered large at the time. The phone’s body was crafted from aluminum with rounded edges that fit comfortably in hand despite its size.
Under the hood, the A9 chip powered this device. This dual-core processor brought a significant boost in speed and graphics compared to its predecessor. Apple paired it with an M9 motion coprocessor that enabled always-on “Hey Siri” functionality without draining battery life excessively.
One of the standout features introduced with this generation was 3D Touch, which allowed users to press harder on the screen to access shortcuts and previews—a precursor to today’s haptic touch gestures.
The camera system also saw upgrades: a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video and a front-facing FaceTime HD camera improved for better selfies and video calls.
Key Hardware Specifications of the iPhone 6s Plus
| Specification | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch Retina HD (1920 x 1080) | Large screen ideal for media consumption |
| Processor | A9 chip with M9 motion coprocessor | Smooth performance & efficient power use |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 5MP front; supports 4K video recording | High-quality photos & videos for its time |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours talk time; non-removable Li-Ion battery | Improved endurance over previous models |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB (later), 64GB, and 128GB variants | Catered to different user needs and budgets |
| Operating System at Launch | iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 15) | Brought new software features & optimizations |
| Weight & Dimensions | 192 grams; 158.2 x 77.9 x7.3 mm | Larger footprint but still manageable in hand |
User Experience: Then vs Now on an Aging Device
Back in late-2015 through early-2017, owning an iPhone 6s Plus meant having one of the best smartphones available—blazing fast processing speeds paired with excellent battery life and high-quality cameras made it stand out.
Fast forward to today: how does this phone hold up? The answer depends largely on usage patterns.
For basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing light websites or streaming music at moderate quality settings—the device still performs adequately without major hiccups. However:
- The aging battery may not last as long as it once did without replacement.
- The camera’s capabilities feel dated compared to modern multi-lens systems offering night mode or ultra-wide shots.
- The absence of security updates beyond iOS15 might expose users to vulnerabilities if they install unsupported apps or browse risky sites.
- The processor struggles somewhat with demanding apps or newer games designed for more recent hardware.
That said, many people appreciate how solidly built these phones were; some even continue using refurbished or secondhand units due to their reliability.
The Battery Factor Over Time
Battery degradation is inevitable in all smartphones but particularly noticeable in devices over eight years old like the iPhone 6s Plus. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity gradually through charge cycles—meaning less runtime between charges now than when new.
Apple’s battery replacement program has made it easier (and affordable) for users wanting to extend their device’s lifespan without investing in a brand-new phone.
Users who replace batteries often report noticeably improved performance since throttling measures implemented by Apple are linked directly to battery health status.
The Market Impact: Pricing & Availability Today
Since its discontinuation by Apple in September of 2018, you won’t find brand-new sealed boxes of the iPhone 6s Plus through official channels anymore. However:
- The used market remains flooded with units ranging from pristine condition refurbished phones to well-worn hand-me-downs.
- Sellers on platforms like eBay or Swappa offer these devices typically between $50-$150 depending on condition and storage capacity.
- This makes it one of the most affordable ways into an Apple ecosystem experience if budget constraints are tight.
That said, buyers must weigh cost against potential downsides such as lack of warranty coverage or impending obsolescence due to aging hardware/software limits.
A Price Comparison Table for Used Models (2024)
| Storage Capacity | Average Price Range (USD) | Status/Condition Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16GB / Base Model | $50 – $80 | Tends toward lower price; limited storage may hinder usability |
| 64GB / Popular Choice | $90 – $130 | Sufficient space for most users; good balance price-performance |
| 128GB / Top Tier Storage | $120 – $160 | Bigger storage ideal if you keep lots of media locally; higher price reflects demand |
The Legacy of the iPhone 6s Plus: Why It Still Matters Today?
Despite being over eight years old now, the iPhone 6s Plus holds an important place in smartphone history:
- It was among the first large-screen phones that balanced size without sacrificing portability.
- Introduced key technologies like 3D Touch that influenced future user interfaces.
- Demonstrated Apple’s commitment toward long-term software support.
- Set benchmarks for build quality that remain appreciated by enthusiasts.
Its enduring functionality proves how well-engineered devices can transcend their release dates when maintained properly.
For many users upgrading from older models back then or switching ecosystems entirely for their first time—this phone represented a leap forward worth remembering fondly today.
Key Takeaways: How Old Is The iPhone 6s Plus?
➤ Released in September 2015.
➤ Over 8 years old as of 2024.
➤ First introduced 3D Touch feature.
➤ Discontinued by Apple in 2019.
➤ Still supported by many apps today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the iPhone 6s Plus as of 2024?
The iPhone 6s Plus was released in September 2015, making it over 8 years old in 2024. It has been on the market for nearly a decade, marking it as one of Apple’s older smartphone models still in use today.
When was the iPhone 6s Plus first launched?
The iPhone 6s Plus officially launched on September 25, 2015. Apple announced it earlier that month alongside the smaller iPhone 6s during a special event, highlighting its larger screen and enhanced features.
How long did Apple support the iPhone 6s Plus with software updates?
Apple supported the iPhone 6s Plus with software updates for almost five years. It shipped with iOS 9 and received updates up to iOS 15 before major updates stopped around late 2021.
What makes the iPhone 6s Plus significant despite its age?
The iPhone 6s Plus introduced key features like the A9 chip and 3D Touch technology. Its large 5.5-inch Retina HD display and improved camera system made it a notable device during its time, contributing to its lasting usability.
Is the iPhone 6s Plus still functional today?
Yes, despite no longer receiving new software updates or security patches, the iPhone 6s Plus remains functional for everyday tasks like calls, texting, and basic apps. Its durability reflects Apple’s hardware quality from that era.
Conclusion – How Old Is The iPhone 6s Plus?
To sum it up clearly: The iPhone 6s Plus is more than eight years old as of mid-2024.. Released in September of 2015, it enjoyed about five years of official software support before reaching end-of-life status last year. While no longer cutting-edge by modern standards—and lacking recent security patches—it remains usable for basic smartphone needs if maintained well through battery replacements or careful app selections.
Its legacy lies not just in age but in how it shaped user expectations around display size, performance longevity, and software support duration within Apple’s lineup—qualities still relevant when assessing today’s devices.
So next time you wonder “How Old Is The iPhone 6s Plus?”, remember it’s a seasoned veteran of mobile tech history that continues quietly powering pockets worldwide despite passing its prime years ago.