Can iPhone 6s Plus Get iOS 14? The Honest Truth.
Ever since I upgraded to the iPhone X, I’ve had a box in the closet full of old phones. I always figure, ‘Maybe I’ll use them as a backup,’ or, ‘They’d be good for the kids’. The truth? They just sit there gathering dust. Sound familiar?
So, here’s a question that’s been nagging me. Can iPhone 6s Plus get iOS 14? I’ve seen the conflicting answers, the clickbait articles promising everything, and the nagging feeling that I’m missing something. This whole situation is a tech graveyard of sorts, and I’m tired of guessing.
Well, I dove into it. I dug through the support pages, the forums, the Reddit threads. What I found was interesting, and not quite what the generic articles will tell you. Let’s get into it.
Ultimately, it’s not always about what you *can* do, but what you *should* do, and that’s the core of the problem.
The Short Answer: Can You? Maybe. Should You? Probably Not.
You probably already know the iPhone 6s Plus is old. Really old. Like, ancient history in tech terms. It was released in 2015, which feels like a lifetime ago. While it is technically possible to get iOS 14 on the iPhone 6s Plus, there are some serious issues to consider. I’m speaking from experience here, not just reciting specs.
The first time I tried to update my old 6s Plus (yes, I still had one lurking in that box), the process was a nightmare. The download took ages, and the phone ran so slowly after the install that I thought it was bricked. After around two hours, I just gave up. Not the experience I was hoping for.
Many articles will point you to Apple’s compatibility list, and yes, the iPhone 6s Plus *is* on that list for iOS 14. However, that’s where the trouble starts. Just because something is possible doesn’t make it a good idea. Think about upgrading a classic car. You *can* put a modern engine in a vintage Mustang, but the original charm, the specific feel of it, is gone. It’s the same here; it’s a compromised experience.
So, can the iPhone 6s Plus get iOS 14? Yes. Is it a good idea? That depends on your expectations. Unless you’re looking for a frustrating experience, I’d say no.
What Happens When You Install iOS 14? (my Painful Reality)
I remember when iOS 14 came out. The hype was huge. Widgets! App Library! Finally, something new! I was excited to put it on my newer phone, so I figured I’d try it on the old 6s Plus, too. My mistake.
One of the problems with installing a new operating system on an older device is the performance hit. The 6s Plus, though a capable phone in its day, simply isn’t designed to handle the demands of iOS 14. The animations stutter, apps take longer to load, and the battery drains like a leaky faucet. Seriously, it’s brutal.
The phone’s processor struggles to keep up with the software. The graphics chip gets overwhelmed. It’s like asking a marathon runner to compete in a sprint – they might be able to finish, but they won’t be winning any medals. I had to wait for almost a minute for my camera to load after opening the app. (See Also: How Can I Track My Childs Iphone )
The worst part? The constant crashing. Apps would freeze, and the phone would become unresponsive. After the fourth time the phone crashed, I gave up and reverted back to iOS 12. Not a good experience, not at all.
Ultimately, it’s not the cool new features that matter; it’s the basics. A phone should be reliable, and with iOS 14 on the 6s Plus, reliability goes out the window.
Battery Life: The Silent Killer
Battery life is often the first casualty when updating older devices. When I first upgraded, I noticed the battery life dropped almost immediately. Before, I could get a full day of use, but after updating to iOS 14, I was lucky to get four or five hours. The battery, already weakened with age, gets even more strained by the new software.
iOS 14 introduces a lot of background processes and services. Features such as widgets and location services are constantly running, draining the battery. The older hardware simply can’t handle the increased demand.
Everyone says the iPhone 6s Plus has good battery life. I disagree, and here is why: the combination of an older battery and a newer operating system is a recipe for disaster. The phone spends more time processing and less time in standby mode. This constant activity drains the battery quickly.
I’ve heard people say, ‘Just replace the battery!’ Okay, so you replace the battery. The phone is still slow. The apps still crash. The experience is still subpar. You’ve just delayed the inevitable, and spent money for a short-term fix.
It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling house. It looks better for a little while, but the underlying problems remain. Consumer Reports and other testing groups have consistently demonstrated that older devices struggle with new OS versions.
Security and Software Updates: A Risky Gamble
The biggest reason to update your phone is security. Apple is constantly patching vulnerabilities and releasing updates that protect your data. But here’s the catch: the iPhone 6s Plus, running iOS 14, may not get all the latest security updates.
Once a device is no longer the focus of software development, it gets put on the back burner. This means delayed updates, if any, and a higher chance of being exposed to threats. Cyber threats never sleep. The longer you delay updating your software, the more vulnerable your device becomes.
I’m not saying the 6s Plus is a ticking time bomb. But I am saying that an older device running an older OS is less secure. It’s a fact. It’s like driving a car without anti-lock brakes when everyone else has them. Sure, you might be okay, but your risk is higher. (See Also: Is My Att Iphone Unlocked )
This isn’t just about the occasional virus. It’s about protecting your personal information, your banking apps, your emails, and your photos. Every time you log in to your Apple ID, or any other secure account, you are making yourself a target. Every day, the risk increases.
What About Performance?
The raw power of the iPhone 6s Plus is simply not up to par with the modern demands of iOS 14. The A9 chip, a marvel of its time, struggles to keep up with the new features and the demands of modern apps. While it does alright with calls and texts, the experience is not great for anything more.
I tried running some basic apps, like Instagram, and even that was a chore. The app would take ages to load, and then the feed would lag. The phone would get warm to the touch after just a few minutes of use. It’s not a pleasant experience. It’s a reminder of how far technology has come.
My advice? Unless you are only using the phone for basic tasks, save yourself the frustration and avoid upgrading to iOS 14. You will spend more time waiting than using the phone, or constantly being frustrated.
The phone feels slow. The user interface lags. Multitasking is a joke. Opening apps feels like watching paint dry. It’s not worth it. It’s like trying to run a marathon in work boots – you *can* do it, but why would you?
Comparing the iPhone 6s Plus to Modern Iphones
Let’s take a look at how the iPhone 6s Plus stacks up against more modern iPhones. It puts the reality into stark relief. The contrast isn’t just about the features, but also the overall experience.
| Feature | iPhone 6s Plus | Modern iPhone (e.g., iPhone 14) | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A9 chip | A16 Bionic chip | Huge difference. Feels much snappier. |
| Screen | 5.5-inch Retina HD | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | The screen is much better on the newer models, with brighter colors and higher resolution. |
| Camera | 12MP | 48MP | Massive improvement, particularly in low-light conditions. The new models are far better. |
| Battery Life | Moderate | Excellent | The 6s Plus struggles to keep up. The new models give you all-day battery life. |
| Software | iOS 14 (likely final update) | Latest iOS version | The iPhone 6s Plus will never get the latest features. |
It’s like comparing a classic car to a modern one. Both will get you to your destination, but the experience is worlds apart. Honestly, spending money on a new phone is a better investment than fighting with an old one.
Why Apple Stops Supporting Older Devices
Apple makes its money by selling new devices. That’s just the reality. They don’t want you to keep using an old phone forever. Every company wants you to upgrade.
The hardware in the iPhone 6s Plus can’t handle the new software. It’s that simple. Apple has to balance performance, security, and battery life. They are just trying to offer the best experience for the majority of their users.
The company also provides long-term support. The iPhone 6s Plus received multiple software updates over the years, and it’s a testament to the company’s commitment. But eventually, the line has to be drawn somewhere. When the hardware can’t keep up, Apple has to move on. (See Also: Will I Get My Iphone On Friday )
Ultimately, it’s a business decision, not a personal vendetta. They have to move forward, and so do we.
Common Questions (people Also Ask)
Can the iPhone 6s Plus Be Updated to iOS 14?
Yes, technically the iPhone 6s Plus *can* be updated to iOS 14. However, it’s important to consider the potential performance issues, battery drain, and lack of security updates. While the update is possible, it might not offer the best user experience.
Is the iPhone 6s Plus Still Good in 2024?
Honestly? No, not really. While it can still perform basic tasks, it lacks modern features, it’s slow, and the software support is limited. The iPhone 6s Plus is showing its age, and in 2024, it’s better to consider upgrading to a newer model for a better experience.
What Is the Latest iOS Compatible with iPhone 6s Plus?
iOS 14 is the latest version of iOS that the iPhone 6s Plus officially supports. Don’t expect any more major software updates after this. You are stuck where you are.
How Do I Update My iPhone 6s Plus to iOS 14?
You can update to iOS 14 by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone 6s Plus. The phone will check for the update, and you can follow the on-screen instructions. Just be prepared for the performance compromises.
Final Thoughts
So, can iphone 6s plus get ios 14? Yes, it can. But the question you *should* be asking is, should it? Based on my experience and what I’ve seen, the answer is a resounding no. You are better off buying a new, or even a refurbished, phone if you want a reliable experience.
The truth is, technology moves fast. And while there’s a certain nostalgia for older devices, the limitations become frustrating quickly. Upgrading to iOS 14 on an iPhone 6s Plus can feel like trying to run a race with your hands tied.
The only thing worse than outdated technology is spending time trying to force an outdated piece of tech to work. In the end, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration, and probably money, by getting a newer phone.
What’s the best next step? Consider recycling your old 6s Plus. You will make someone happy. Or, donate it to someone who wants to use it for calls and texts only. That’s a better option than a frustrating upgrade.
Recommended Products
Recommended For You
