No, Apple stopped producing the iPhone 6 and now lists it as obsolete hardware with no official service.
The question pops up every time someone finds a trusty 4.7-inch handset in a drawer: does Apple still build the iPhone 6? Short answer: production ended years ago, retail sales ended later, and the device sits in Apple’s obsolete bucket. Below you’ll find what that means for repairs, software, accessories, and upgrade paths, plus tips to keep an old unit running a bit longer.
Where The iPhone 6 Stands Right Now
Here’s the current state of this model in plain terms. Use this table to see what you can and can’t expect today.
| Area | Current Status | What That Means |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Ended | No new units leave Apple’s factories. |
| Apple Store Sales | Ended | Not sold new by Apple; third-party stock is old. |
| Software Updates | iOS 12.5.7 is the last build | No iOS 13+; only past security patches. |
| Repair Status | Obsolete | No official parts orders; shops may decline service. |
| Battery Service | Unsupported by Apple | Independent repair may help, quality varies. |
| Carrier Use | Works where 4G LTE still runs | No 5G; some carriers are sunsetting older tech. |
Whether Apple Builds The iPhone 6 Today
Apple ended production long ago. The company also classifies the model as obsolete, which means Apple Stores and authorized providers can’t order new parts for hardware repair. That status comes after a period called “vintage,” then it moves to this final stage. In short, no new units are made and official service is over.
You can power up an old handset. You can even find sealed boxes from resellers or private sellers. Just remember those are leftover units, not fresh production lines.
What “Obsolete” Means In Practice
Apple uses two labels for aging gear: “vintage” and “obsolete.” See Apple’s iPhone products obsolete list for the formal definitions. Vintage covers products that ended sales more than five and less than seven years ago; limited repairs may be available while parts last. Obsolete means more than seven years since sales ended and no hardware service from Apple. The 2014 iPhone 6 has crossed that line.
That doesn’t brick your phone. It means you’ll rely on third-party repair shops for batteries, screens, or buttons. Good shops exist, but parts quality and pricing vary. Back up data first and ask about warranties before you hand over a device.
Software Support And App Reality
The last system for this model is iOS 12.5.7. That build received security patches in early 2023. Nothing later will install due to hardware limits on the A8 chip and 1GB RAM. Many modern apps still open, yet new features and the newest app versions target later iOS releases. Over time, log-ins, banking, maps, and media apps raise their minimum versions, which chips away at daily use.
Web use keeps going for a while through Safari or third-party browsers that run on iOS 12, but some sites need newer web tech. Expect more “update required” prompts as services roll forward.
Why Sales Ended In Stages
When iPhone 7 arrived in 2016, Apple removed the earlier flagships from most storefronts. A small run of a 32GB variant reappeared in select regions during 2017 as a budget play, then faded out again. Different retail timelines cause confusion, yet none of that signals current production lines.
How Long You Can Keep Using One
Use depends on your needs. As a spare phone for calls, texts, and light browsing on a carrier that still runs 4G LTE, it can keep rolling. For heavy photo work, gaming, or feature-packed messaging, the old hardware feels slow and storage caps fill fast. Battery wear also takes a toll; many units now throttle under load unless the battery was recently swapped.
Practical Ways To Stretch An Old Unit
Want to squeeze more life out of it? Try these steps:
Clean And Reset
- Back up to iCloud or a computer, then erase and set up as new to clear cruft.
- Turn off background app refresh for non-essentials.
- Disable auto-downloads to save storage and data.
Lighten The Load
- Keep only core apps that still support iOS 12.
- Trim old photos and messages; offload to cloud storage.
- Use lightweight web apps when native apps refuse to install.
Battery Care
- Check Battery Health in Settings; if capacity is low, a reputable independent shop may replace it.
- Use a quality Lightning cable and charger that meets safety standards.
Risks Of Staying On Older Software
Security patches stop landing for this platform. That raises risk for accounts and data. Avoid sideloading profiles, skip shady configuration files, and beware links from unknown senders. Keep two-factor authentication on for Apple ID and other services. When your bank or wallet app stops working, treat that as a signal to move on.
Where To Find Repair Help
Apple won’t take in this model for service anymore, yet you have options. Look for independent shops with strong reviews and clear parts sourcing. Ask whether a part is new or pulled from salvage, and whether you’ll lose features like Touch ID after a swap. Prices vary widely, so call a couple of shops before deciding.
Upgrade Paths That Feel Familiar
If you loved the size and feel, the modern 6.1-inch models are still pocket-friendly and offer Face ID, brighter displays, and far better cameras. Budget lines and certified refurbished units can keep costs in check. Any device that runs current iOS will get fresh features and longer security coverage.
| Model | Why It Fits | Notable Gains Over 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Base Model | Good price, long software runway | 5G, night photos, stronger battery life |
| Refurbished Prior Flagship | Lower cost with high-end parts | Better OLED screen and cameras |
| Carrier Deal Phone | Trade-in credits reduce outlay | New warranty and accessories |
Data Move-Over Steps
When you upgrade, moving data is straightforward:
- Update the old phone to the latest iOS 12 patch and back up to iCloud or a computer.
- Turn off Find My and sign out of iCloud to disable Activation Lock.
- Start the new phone and pick Quick Start to migrate wirelessly, or restore from backup during setup.
- Open your carrier app or visit a store to move the SIM or set up eSIM.
Trade-In And Recycling Options
Official trade-in values for this model are low or zero. Still, recycling keeps batteries and metals out of landfills. Apple stores and many carriers accept old phones at no charge. If the phone still works, gifting it as a kid’s music player or running it as a home remote can give it a second act.
Common Questions People Ask
Can I Still Activate One On My Carrier?
In many regions, yes, as long as the network supports 4G LTE and VoLTE on the bands your unit carries. Some carriers phase out older tech and tighten device whitelists. Check your carrier’s IMEI tool before you buy a used unit.
Will Modern Accessories Work?
Lightning cables work. Wired EarPods still plug into the 3.5mm jack on this model. Many Bluetooth accessories connect fine, though app control for some gear may require newer iOS.
What About Safety Updates?
Apple’s last security build for this device landed in 2023. Since then, only newer models get fresh patches. Online accounts remain at higher risk on older systems. Move to a supported phone when you can.
Bottom Line
Production is over, retail sales ended, and official repair has closed. You can keep an old unit for light tasks, yet the smartest move is planning an upgrade to a device that still gets current software. That shift brings better cameras, faster chips, modern radios, and years of updates.
Timeline At A Glance
Release landed on September 19, 2014. Most retail listings ended on September 7, 2016 with the launch of newer models. A 32GB run appeared in select regions in 2017, then sales wrapped up by September 12, 2018 in the last markets. Years later, Apple placed the device in the obsolete bucket, which closes the door on official parts.
Who This Phone Still Suits
This handset still makes sense as a spare, a kid’s starter phone, or a travel device for local SIMs. It works fine as a music player for CarPlay or as a home remote for lights and speakers. People who only need calls, texts, maps, and a light camera can get by for a while. Power users who care about night photos, ProRAW files, console-level games, or heavy video edits will hit limits fast.
Buying Used: Smart Checks
Scouting a used unit? Inspect the frame for bends near the volume buttons. Check True Tone, touch response, and the home button. Open Settings → Battery to view capacity. In Settings → General → About, match the model number to a region and carrier band set. Ask for the original box and charger if possible. Run the IMEI through your carrier’s tool to confirm activation on current networks.
Meet the seller in a public spot, power the phone on, and sign out of any Apple ID before buying. If the device is grafted with a non-genuine screen or battery, you might see warnings in Settings; that isn’t always a deal-breaker, but it helps price the phone realistically.
Why A Modern Replacement Pays Off
Newer phones shoot sharp low-light photos, connect to 5G, and last longer on a charge. They unlock faster, run banking apps with fewer hiccups, and open maps without lag. Over a two-year span the time saved adds up. If budget is tight, a refurbished unit with a fresh battery can be a sweet spot.