No, Apple isn’t turning off the iPhone 6; the phone still works but no longer gets iOS upgrades and official repairs.
The short version: the handset still powers on, places calls, sends texts, and runs many lightweight apps. Apple has ended new iOS releases for it, and official repair routes have closed because the model crossed into the “obsolete” bucket. That doesn’t brick your handset; it just limits updates, fixes, and parts access.
Why Your Older iPhone Still Powers On
Phones don’t switch off remotely when a company ages them out. What changes is policy: no fresh iOS versions, only rare legacy security fixes in the past, and no guaranteed parts at Apple counters. Cellular and Wi-Fi radios keep working as long as your carrier and local bands remain available. The battery, screen, and buttons keep doing their thing until wear and tear says otherwise.
Quick Status At A Glance
Here’s a one-screen snapshot of where this model stands in 2025.
| Area | What Still Works | What’s Limited Now |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Basics | Boots up, calls, SMS, basic web, photos | Old battery may sag; slow app launches |
| iOS & Security | Final branch stuck on iOS 12.5.x | No iOS 13+ features; only past one-off security patches were issued |
| Apps & Store | Legacy apps and older versions | Many titles now demand iOS 13+ to install or update |
| Repairs & Parts | Third-party shops may help | Apple’s official counters no longer offer hardware service for this model |
| Apple Pay | NFC works on this generation | Some banks/apps require newer iOS for setup or re-enrollment |
| Watch Pairing | Older watchOS generations once paired | Current watch models expect newer iPhones and iOS |
| Cell Networks | 2G/3G/4G bands where still offered | Regions that retired older networks can affect calling/data |
Is Apple Shutting Down Old iPhone 6 Models? The Policy Reality
What’s happening is lifecycle policy, not a kill switch. Apple classifies aging hardware into time-based buckets. After enough years off store shelves, a device moves past routine service, then past parts availability. Your handset can still run, but it’s outside Apple’s repair pipeline.
The Timeline: From Launch To Obsolete
This model debuted in 2014. It received major iOS releases up to the iOS 12 family and then stopped moving to newer generations. A final round of legacy patches landed on that branch in January 2023, and the hardware later crossed into the “obsolete” category, which is why Apple counters no longer take it in for repair. Those milestones explain why you see fewer app updates and fewer official service options now.
What “Obsolete” Means In Plain Language
Obsolete doesn’t mean dead. It means the company no longer offers parts or repair at its own locations, and the software track for that product is frozen. You can still charge it, pop in a SIM, and carry on with light tasks. Many owners keep a unit as a music player, a travel backup, or a kid’s first phone.
Why Apps Stop Updating On iOS 12
Most developers aim at current iOS SDKs. Over time they raise the minimum version an app needs. When that happens, a handset locked to iOS 12 can’t fetch the newest builds. In some cases you can still download an older build the publisher left on the store, but there’s no guarantee. Banking, transit, and ride-share apps often hard-require newer iOS versions for security reasons, so plan for gaps.
How To Keep Using It Safely Today
Trim The Workload
Stick to lightweight tasks: calls, texts, offline music, ebooks, notes, and simple photos. Social apps can run, though features like newer video codecs or real-time filters may lag or crash.
Harden The Browser
Safari on that branch lacks recent engine fixes. If you must browse, steer toward well-known sites, avoid unknown links, and skip logins on sensitive accounts. For everyday messaging and photos, prefer the built-in apps. Turn on two-factor at the account level using another trusted device where possible.
Replace The Battery If Needed
Capacity loss is the top reason old phones feel slow. A reputable independent shop can fit a new cell. Ask about part quality and a short warranty. A fresh battery often brings back a full day of light use.
Free Up Space
Leave at least 2–3 GB free. Offload unused apps, clear videos, and move photos to a computer. Low storage amplifies crashes and stutters on older iOS builds.
Mind Your Carrier
If your area retired certain network generations, call your carrier to confirm voice fallback paths and data bands that still run on this model. A different SIM plan may help with basic service.
Where The Line Is Today For New iOS
In 2025, the current iOS line starts with newer phones. The oldest devices on the active track are from the iPhone 11 era. That’s the dividing line between “still gets the latest iOS” and “stuck on an earlier branch.” If you want ongoing upgrades, aim at that generation or newer.
Practical Uses That Still Shine
Travel Backup
Drop in a local prepaid SIM and keep your main phone safe in the hotel. Basic maps, calls, and ride pickups still work in many places.
Music And Podcasts
Load tracks over USB in a desktop app and treat it like a tiny media player. AirPlay and wired headphones still work well.
Home Remote
Use it as a dedicated remote for a TV, speaker, or camera monitor. One task per device keeps it snappy.
Why Apple Doesn’t “Turn Off” Old Phones
Shutting down live devices would damage trust and create legal headaches. The company runs a long window of use, then winds down parts and software investment once a model falls outside its service horizon. That path keeps the device usable for light needs without creating an endless maintenance burden.
Which Oldest Models Still Get This Year’s iOS?
The table below shows the starting point for the current iOS train in late 2025. Anything older is already out of the new-version lane.
| Model Family | Current iOS Track (2025) | Upgrade Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | Runs the 2025 iOS line | Still inside the active cycle |
| iPhone 12 Series | Runs the 2025 iOS line | Plenty of runway left |
| iPhone 13 Series | Runs the 2025 iOS line | Plenty of runway left |
Upgrade Paths That Make Sense
If you’re moving up, target a device on the current iOS train. A used iPhone 12 or 13 balances price with years of updates ahead. If you’re shopping new, the latest baseline model delivers longer runway, stronger cameras, and modern radios. Keep an eye on carrier bands you need in your region.
Real-World Limits To Expect If You Keep It
Banking And Pay Apps
Many providers now require newer iOS for login or tap-to-pay enrollment. If you don’t change phones yet, carry a bank card as backup.
Maps And Ride-Share
Core map routing still functions, but advanced features and live traffic layers may stall on older builds. Save key locations offline where possible.
Cameras And Media
Photos look fine in bright light. Night shots and modern video codecs lag far behind current phones. For trips and events, bring a compact camera or borrow a newer phone for the group shots.
Two Key References Worth Skimming
Apple’s policy pages explain the life-cycle buckets and the last security patch on this branch. See the entries for vintage and obsolete products and the iOS 12.5.7 security note that names the final patch on this line, security content of iOS 12.5.7. If you’re shopping, Apple’s iOS-26 compatibility page shows the oldest models still on the train; scan the device list under “iPhone models compatible with iOS 26.”
Bottom Line For Owners
No, Apple didn’t flip a switch to disable anything. Your handset lives on, just without modern iOS features, fresh app builds, or official repair lanes. If your needs are light, keep it as a backup or a music camera hybrid. If you rely on banking, rides, or newer wearables, step up to a model that still rides the current iOS track.