No, Apple ended iPhone 6 support—the phone tops out at iOS 12.5.7 and no longer receives security updates or official repairs.
Wondering where things stand for the 2014 handset today? Here’s the straight answer up front: software stopped at iOS 12.5.7, and Apple’s service network treats the model as end-of-line. You can still make calls, text, and run light apps, but you won’t get platform upgrades, new security patches, or guaranteed hardware repairs from Apple. This guide lays out what still works, what doesn’t, safe-use tips if you’re hanging on, and smart upgrade paths.
Apple Support Status For The Iphone 6 Today
Two tracks matter with any older iPhone: software support and hardware service. Software support means iOS releases and security patches. Hardware service means Apple or an authorized provider can order parts and carry out repairs. For this model, both tracks have reached the end.
- Software: The final build is iOS 12.5.7 (released January 23, 2023). No iOS 13 or later, and no new security fixes beyond that.
- Hardware: Apple classifies aging devices into “vintage” and then “obsolete.” Once a device becomes obsolete, Apple Stores and authorized providers stop offering repairs and can’t order parts. The 2014 phone has crossed that line.
Quick Reference: What You Can Expect
Use this table as an at-a-glance status check. It’s current for 2025 and keeps the focus on real-world use, not just version numbers.
| Category | Current State On iPhone 6 | What That Means Day To Day |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Version | Locked to iOS 12.5.7 | No new features; some apps require newer iOS and won’t install |
| Security Patches | No ongoing patches after 12.5.7 | Higher risk when browsing or installing third-party apps |
| App Store | Older app snapshots only | Popular services may drop support; fewer updates; more crashes |
| Banking & Payments | Apple Pay may still work, but banks can deprecate old iOS | Cards can stop verifying; mobile banking apps may refuse to run |
| Messaging | SMS/iMessage generally fine | Stability depends on app version; rich features can be missing |
| Cameras | Hardware works as shipped | Photo apps with new features might not install |
| Battery & Repairs | No official Apple parts or service | Only third-party repair shops; quality and warranty vary |
| Accessories | Lightning and Bluetooth still fine | Some accessories expect newer iOS features or APIs |
Why Software Stopped At iOS 12
The handset’s chipset and memory were designed for iOS 12-era features. When Apple moved the platform baseline with iOS 13, the bar rose for CPU instructions, graphics, and memory. That’s why the 2014 phone never moved to iOS 13 or later. In plain terms, the device can’t meet the newer system’s technical needs without performance or stability trade-offs Apple wasn’t willing to ship.
The last security roll-up for this model arrived as iOS 12.5.7 in January 2023. That release addressed web-related exploits on older devices and marked the end of patch cadence for this line.
How To Keep Using An Older Device Safely
If you’re keeping the phone for a while, treat it like a light-duty handset. You won’t get new protections baked into the platform, so reduce exposure and stick to basics.
Safer Settings And Habits
- Browser choice: Use the built-in browser for basic tasks; avoid sketchy sites and random downloads.
- Install only trusted apps: Prefer well-known publishers that still ship iOS 12 builds; avoid sideloading.
- Turn off background app refresh for rarely used apps to save battery and reduce network exposure.
- Use strong passcodes and log out of sensitive apps when not needed.
- Backup locally with iTunes/Finder if cloud sign-in fails due to age-gated features.
When Third-Party Repair Makes Sense
Official parts channels are closed for this model. If a battery swap or screen replacement keeps it useful as a spare, a reputable independent shop can help. Ask for part grade, return policy, and a simple warranty in writing. If the repair quote approaches the cost of a newer used phone that still updates, an upgrade usually wins.
What Breaks First In Daily Life
Security patch gaps matter, but day-to-day pain points usually come from apps and services moving on. Here’s where owners feel the pinch.
Banking, Wallet, And Identity
Banks and two-factor apps deprecate older platforms on a rolling basis. You might be able to add a card today and fail the next time the bank bumps its minimum requirement. Expect more “requires iOS 14/15/16” prompts as time goes by.
Streaming And Social
Video services raise codec and DRM baselines. Social apps cut off older SDKs. You may keep a legacy build for a while, but features stall and login flows can break when the provider turns off old endpoints.
Work And School Platforms
Email still works over IMAP/Exchange, but company profiles, MDM, or secure browsers can refuse installation. If you need a device for MFA codes, use an authenticator app that still offers iOS 12 support or switch MFA to SMS for the short term.
Signs It’s Time To Move On
- Your must-have app stops launching or refuses to log in due to a minimum iOS bump.
- Battery health drops and replacement prices look close to a newer used model.
- Web crashes increase on media-heavy pages because JavaScript engines evolved past the 2014 hardware.
- You handle sensitive data and can’t accept the extra risk that comes with no new patches.
Which Models Still Get Current iOS?
If you want the latest release, start your search with devices that Apple still updates right now. As of 2025, the current iOS train begins with the 2019 lineup and newer. That means even a used device from that era can get you back on the update track.
Apple maintains a live list of iPhone models compatible with the current iOS. Cross-check before you buy a replacement so you know it will keep receiving updates.
Good, Better, Best Upgrade Picks
Here’s a compact view to help you match budget to longevity. All models below run the current platform at the time of writing and should keep receiving releases for years.
| Model Tier | Why It’s A Smart Move | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11/11 Pro Family | Entry price on used market; still on the latest iOS; solid cameras | Budget-minded users who want updates and decent battery life |
| iPhone 12/13 Series | 5G, OLED (on Pro/standard 12), stronger SoC, longer runway | Daily drivers who want speed and camera improvements |
| Recent SE (2nd/3rd Gen) | Lower cost, new batteries, A-series chips that still update | Minimalists, kids, or business fleets that value Touch ID |
Data, Dates, And Official Sources
The last software release for this model was iOS 12.5.7 in January 2023. Apple’s security notes show what that update fixed and which older devices it covered. That’s the marker that patching reached its finish line here.
Apple also outlines how service status works for aging products: devices move from active support to “vintage” and then to “obsolete,” at which point official repairs stop. This isn’t a sudden switch for users; it’s a steady lifecycle that aligns with parts availability and product age.
You can read Apple’s own security bulletin for the final iOS 12 update and its repair policy page below. Both are worth a skim if you’re deciding whether to keep the phone as a spare or recycle it.
Keep It Or Replace It? Practical Scenarios
Keep It As A Backup Phone
For a glove-box spare, a travel SIM, or a kid’s first handset, the phone still pulls its weight. Do a clean restore, install only core apps, and use a fresh battery if yours is fading. Treat it like a feature-plus phone, not a secure work device.
Use It As A Dedicated Gadget
Retire it into a home role: music player, car dash device, remote for smart lights, or a dedicated camera for time-lapse projects. Airplane mode with Wi-Fi keeps background chatter low and stretches battery life.
Recycle Responsibly
If it’s truly done, wipe it and recycle through an official program. Apple and carriers offer trade-in and recycling options, even when the device has no resale value. If you go with a local recycler, confirm data sanitation and downstream handling.
Buying Tips If You’re Upgrading
- Check the iOS version on the box (or at setup) and confirm it matches Apple’s current compatibility list.
- Inspect battery health under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging; anything near 80% will feel sluggish without a swap.
- Favor models with two or more years of runway left on iOS releases to spread out your cost.
- Verify carrier bands if you import or buy used; network support can vary by region SKU.
Bottom Line On The 2014 Model
The handset still dials, texts, and runs light apps, but it’s past Apple’s update and repair window. If you value up-to-date security and app compatibility, shift to a model that’s on the current iOS list. If you keep it, use it for basic tasks, reduce exposure, and plan a move when an essential app stops working.