Wondering if you can get iOS 16 on iPhone 6, 6 Plus, or 6s in 2025? This guide breaks down iOS compatibility, update limits, and how to download the latest version on older iPhones.
Can You Get iOS 16 on iPhone 6?
No, you cannot get iOS 16 on the iPhone 6. The iPhone 6, which launched in 2014 with the A8 chip, is capped at iOS 12.5.7. Due to hardware limitations, Apple stopped supporting the iPhone 6 after iOS 12, and it never received iOS 13 or later updates.
So, if you’re still using an iPhone 6 in 2025, your device will not be compatible with iOS 16 or future versions. If you’re considering an upgrade, check out our guide to the best budget smartphones in Kenya for great alternatives.
Can You Get iOS 16 on iPhone 6 Plus?
Similar to the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus does not support iOS 16. The highest iOS version you can install on an iPhone 6 Plus is also iOS 12.5.7.
Apple officially discontinued major software updates for the 6 Plus in 2019. Although it still receives essential security patches, you cannot download or install iOS 16 on this device.
Can the iPhone 6s Plus Update to iOS 16?
Yes, the iPhone 6s Plus supports iOS 16. It was among the oldest models included in Apple’s iOS 16 update rollout, which began in September 2022.
However, this is the final major iOS version for the iPhone 6s Plus. Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 6s series will not support iOS 17 or any future releases. The last version available as of 2025 is iOS 16.7.7.
iPhone 6 Latest iOS Version Download
The latest iOS version for iPhone 6 is iOS 12.5.7, released in January 2023. This update included critical security improvements but no new features.
To download iOS 12.5.7 on iPhone 6:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
- Tap Download and Install if available
If you’re looking to maximize security and performance, it might be time to switch. Read our comparison of the best phones under KES 20,000 in Kenya.
iPhone 6s iOS Update Limit
The iOS update limit for the iPhone 6s is iOS 16.7.7 as of 2025. Although Apple included the iPhone 6s in iOS 16 updates, it will not receive iOS 17 or any future iOS versions.
That makes iOS 16 the final stop for both the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Nonetheless, these devices are still receiving occasional security patches within the iOS 16 framework.
Can the iPhone 6s Run iOS 16?
Absolutely. The iPhone 6s can run iOS 16, and the latest available version is iOS 16.7.7.
To update your iPhone 6s to iOS 16:
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
- Open Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
Make sure your device has at least 5GB of free space and is fully charged or plugged in.
How to Update iPhone 6s to iOS 15
If your iPhone 6s is running an older version like iOS 14 and you want to update to iOS 15:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If iOS 15 is still being signed (unlikely in 2025), you’ll see an option to download it
Note: Since Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions once a new one is out, you may only see iOS 16 as an available option. In that case, updating to iOS 15 manually would require using third-party tools or archived IPSW files—not recommended unless you’re an advanced user.
How to Download the iOS 16 Update
If you’re using a supported device (like iPhone 6s, 7, 8, or SE), you can download iOS 16 with these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General > Software Update
- Wait for iOS 16 to appear
- Tap Download and Install
Supported devices for iOS 16 include:
| iPhone Model | iOS 16 Compatibility |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6 / 6 Plus | ❌ Not Supported |
| iPhone 6s / 6s Plus | ✅ Supported (Final Version) |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | ✅ Supported |
| iPhone 8 and newer | ✅ Supported |
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus support iOS 16 (up to version 16.7.7)
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus do not support iOS 16 (limited to iOS 12.5.7)
- You can update your iPhone 6s to iOS 16 directly from the settings
- iOS 17 and later versions are not compatible with iPhone 6s series
If you’re still using an iPhone 6, upgrading to a newer device with iOS 17 support will give you better performance, security, and access to modern apps.
