Will the iPhone 6S still work adequately in 2026? Yes, but with limitations

The iPhone 6S, first released in September 2015, will reach over 7 years old by 2023. While Apple supports iPhones for 5-6 years with software updates, the aging hardware specifications of the 6S mean it is starting to show its age. It can still perform basic functions like web browsing, messaging, and music playback. But the 6S experience falls well short of newer iPhones in areas like battery life, camera quality, and advanced features. Let‘s dive into the specifics:

Performance – Usable but sometimes sluggish

The iPhone 6S is powered by Apple‘s A9 system-on-chip and 2GB of RAM. While fast for 2015, the A9 ranks far behind Apple‘s newest A16 chip in the iPhone 14 series. Some key performance comparisons:

• CPU benchmarks: The iPhone 6S scores around 420 on single-core Geekbench tests while the iPhone 14 Pro maxes out over 1800 [1]. This 4x higher score results in much snappier app launches and responsiveness.

• GPU benchmarks: In graphics tests, the 6S manages around 5200 in 3DMark compared to 17466 for the iPhone 14 Pro [2]. This translates to significantly faster and smoother gameplay.

• RAM management: With only 2GB RAM, the 6S can sometimes close background apps and tabs if too many are open. Newer iPhones all have 4GB+ RAM.

So while the 6S can handle simple apps and games without issue, you‘ll experience more frequent slowdowns and lag when pushing it – especially when compared side-by-side with a modern iPhone.

Battery life – Poor by 2023 standards

The iPhone 6S shipped with a 1715 mAh battery which was average in 2015. But newer iPhones have batteries over 3000 mAh [3]. This, combined with more power efficient chips, means much longer battery life:

• iPhone 6S battery life: About 10 hours mixed usage
• iPhone 14 Pro battery life: Up to 23 hours mixed usage

Most 6S batteries today are also worn out after years of use, further reducing effective capacity. Expect to charge a 6S daily with normal usage. The battery will be the biggest day-to-day limitation.

Camera – Subpar compared to newer iPhones

The rear camera on the iPhone 6S was cutting-edge in 2015 at 12 megapixels. But it lacks the advanced lenses, sensors, and processing of newer iPhones:

• 12MP on 6S versus 48MP on iPhone 14 Pro
• Smaller 1.22μm sensor pixels versus 1.9μm on new iPhones [4]
• No optical image stabilization or advanced software processing

This results in decent photos in good lighting but very poor low light performance. Features like portrait mode are also missing. The front facing 5MP camera on the 6S produces blurry selfies by 2023 standards. Overall, the cameras are far behind what users expect today.

Software updates – Support ending soon

Impressively, the 6S is still supported by the latest iOS 15 in January 2023. iPhones typically get about 5-6 years of full iOS support. But iOS 16 expected in September 2023 will likely drop support for the 6S [5].

Once software updates cease, the 6S will miss out on new features and become increasingly insecure:

• New apps may begin requiring features missing on the 6S like ARKit
• Vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, posing privacy/hacking risks
• Carriers may reduce network compatibility without modem updates

So users wanting the longest working lifespan should consider upgrading before iOS updates end.

Features – Missing many newer capabilities

Since 2015, iPhones have gained many new features that the 6S lacks:

• No Face ID facial recognition – only Touch ID fingerprint
• No 5G connectivity – maxes out at 4G LTE speeds
• No dual/triple camera systems – single 12MP rear camera
• No wireless charging support
• No WiFi 6 for faster speeds on compatible networks
• No always-on display – requires raising/tapping to see lock screen
• No crash detection available via sensors like newer iPhones

While not dealbreakers for everyone, these missing capabilities demonstrate the 6S‘ age and may frustrate users who utilize newer iPhone features.

Value and price – Good budget option but poor long-term value

On the plus side, the 6S offers iPhone functionality at bargain prices:

• Used/refurbished 6S models under $100 on many sites
• Much cheaper than recent iPhones that still cost $400+

But its age means minimal resale value going forward. Investing $80 on a used 6S today may get you only $20 back if trying to sell it a year later as its lifespan shortens. Plus repair costs like new batteries could exceed the phone‘s worth. So buyers should not expect long-term value retention.

Conclusion – Usable in 2024 but limited compared to newer iPhones

To summarize – the iPhone 6S will still work in 2024 thanks to its decent performance hardware and continued software support. For users who just need basic calling, texting, web browsing, and music playback, it can get the job done. But compared to newer iPhone models, the 6S falls short in many areas:

• Poor battery life requiring daily charging
• Dated rear and front cameras that struggle in low light
• Lacking newer features like Face ID, 5G, and wireless charging
• End of software updates coming soon will make it increasingly incompatible

The 6S still appeals due to its low used prices under $100. But within 1-2 years, even basic use will become frustrating as apps drop support.

So while the 6S remains usable for now, especially as a starter phone, most users looking for a primary smartphone will find the experience much smoother and longer-lasting by upgrading to a newer iPhone model. Considering the 6S‘ age, paying more for a recent iPhone that will last 3+ years often makes economic sense as well. But for light or temporary use, the 6S can be a cost-effective option into 2023.