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No—Apple did not drop the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, or first-generation (2016) iPhone SE when iOS 15 launched. The 2021 claim was a prediction based on their age and A9 chip, not an Apple announcement. All three received iOS 15, and Apple listed them for iOS 15.8.8, released May 11, 2026. They cannot install iOS 16 or newer, so “still receiving updates” now means security maintenance on the iOS 15 branch rather than new major iOS features.
What the original iOS 15 claim actually said
Contemporary coverage warned that Apple might end major iOS updates for the iPhone 6s family and the 2016 iPhone SE with iOS 15. It was a forecast, not confirmation that Apple had already rejected the phones.
Those are three different statements:
- Apple may stop supporting the devices with iOS 15: speculation.
- Apple has confirmed they cannot run iOS 15: false.
- Apple has published the iOS 15 compatibility list: the eventual outcome.
Apple’s published compatibility materials included the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and first-generation iPhone SE: iOS 15 preview and compatibility list. Apple also announced iOS 15 in its newsroom: Apple’s June 2021 iOS 15 announcement.
Why the prediction seemed plausible
Five- to six-year-old hardware
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launched in September 2015. The first-generation iPhone SE followed in March 2016. By the iOS 15 cycle in 2021, they were roughly five to six years old—an age at which earlier iPhone models had sometimes fallen off Apple’s major-release lists.
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- This device is Preowned, Tested and Passed in Excellent Condition, Battery Life Minimum 80% or more as compare to new.
- IOS Version upgradable to 15.8.5 but the device continues to receive security updates under the iOS 15 branch.
- Includes a new cable only. User manual and charger are not included. SIM card is provided by your wireless service provider and is not included with this device.
- 4.7" Retina HD display, 12MP camera and 4K video at 30 fps / 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash Black
The A9 system-on-chip
All three phones use Apple’s A9 chip. The first-generation SE combines hardware closely related to the iPhone 6s with the smaller, iPhone 5s-style enclosure. Newer iOS features increasingly depended on faster processors, neural-processing capabilities, cameras and graphics hardware, so concern about an A9 cutoff was technically reasonable even though it proved wrong.
Apple’s actual iOS 15 support
Compatibility meant the phones could install and run iOS 15; it did not mean that every feature shown in Apple’s preview was available on every supported model.
| Model | Launch period | iOS 15 outcome |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s | September 2015 | Included in iOS 15 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | September 2015 | Included in iOS 15 |
| iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016) | March 2016 | Included in iOS 15 |
That made these among the oldest iPhones to receive a new major iOS release at the time. The result disproved the headline prediction, but it did not put the A9 phones on the same feature level as newer iPhones.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
What older hardware missed in iOS 15
Several iOS 15 capabilities required newer hardware and were unavailable, or limited, on the 6s and first-generation SE. Examples included:
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- Some FaceTime video effects.
- Certain advanced Maps views and navigation capabilities.
- Some camera and computational-photography functions.
The practical rule is simple: an iPhone can be compatible with an iOS branch without receiving every headline feature. Core system updates, security fixes and many ordinary iOS functions remained available, while hardware-dependent features were omitted.
What happened after iOS 15
When newer iPhones moved to iOS 16 and later, the A9 models stayed on the iOS 15 branch. Apple continued issuing maintenance releases rather than moving them to a new major generation.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Apple’s security-release record lists iOS 15.8.8, released May 11, 2026, for:
- iPhone 6s, all models.
- iPhone 7, all models.
- iPhone SE, first generation.
- iPad Air 2.
- iPad mini, fourth generation.
- iPod touch, seventh generation.
See Apple’s live security-release record for the version history and device list: Apple security releases.
The phones’ software ceiling in 2026
As of August 18, 2026, the highest major iOS generation for the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and first-generation SE is iOS 15, with iOS 15.8.8 the latest version Apple lists for them. They are not eligible for iOS 16, iOS 17, iOS 18, iOS 26 or later major releases. Apple’s same security page identifies the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X as part of the iOS 16 branch, illustrating where the A9 models’ major-version support ends.
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This is also why they cannot use Apple Intelligence. Apple requires compatible hardware such as iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 models or later, plus iOS 18.1 or later: Apple Intelligence requirements.
“Still receiving updates” does not mean fully supported
Support has several separate meanings:
- Major iOS upgrades: new numbered releases such as iOS 15 or iOS 16.
- Security updates: patches delivered to an older branch, such as iOS 15.8.8.
- Hardware service: repair eligibility and parts availability, which Apple classifies separately and which can vary by model, configuration and region.
A security release is evidence of recent maintenance, not a promise that Apple will continue the branch indefinitely or that every repair remains available.
What owners should check now
- Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the newest version Apple offers for that phone.
- Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. A worn battery can cause shutdowns and poor performance even when software is current.
- Confirm that banking, work, health, authentication and other essential apps still support iOS 15. App developers can end support before Apple stops security maintenance.
- Check cellular compatibility with your carrier and country before relying on the phone as a primary device. Network changes can make an otherwise functional handset impractical.
- Back up the phone before battery service, repair or replacement.
Keep it, replace the battery, or upgrade?
Keeping the phone can make sense when
- It is paid off and the battery remains acceptable.
- Your required apps still run on iOS 15.
- You mainly need calls, messages, music, basic photography and light browsing.
A battery replacement may be the best-value fix when
The phone meets your app and network needs but battery life is the problem. Apple’s service information is at iPhone battery service. A new battery will not add iOS 16 features, restore missing hardware capabilities or solve an app that requires a newer operating system.
Best Value
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display. 5G capable
- Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
- 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 1080p video recording. Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication
- A15 Bionic chip for lightning-fast performance. Durable design and IP67 water resistance
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
Upgrading is sensible when
- An important app requires a newer iOS version.
- You need current privacy, communication or camera features.
- Battery replacement is uneconomical or performance is no longer adequate.
- Your carrier’s network changes reduce reliability.
- You want a broader current-security horizon or Apple Intelligence.
Apple Trade In values depend on the exact model, condition, storage and region; check the live Apple Trade In page rather than relying on an old estimate. Apple’s Certified Refurbished iPhone inventory changes, and a newer used iPhone with an A12 Bionic chip or later generally offers a longer software horizon than an A9 model.
Common buying and support misunderstandings
- “iPhone SE” is not specific enough: this article concerns only the first-generation 2016 SE, not the 2020 or 2022 models.
- “Supports iOS 15” is not “supports the latest iOS”: used listings often omit that distinction.
- All iOS 15 features are not guaranteed: hardware-dependent functions were excluded on older phones.
- Software and service status differ: receiving iOS 15.8.8 does not establish identical repair eligibility for every storage or regional configuration.
- Security support has no published guaranteed end date: iOS 15.8.8 confirms support through May 11, 2026, not beyond it.
Bottom line for 2026
The 2021 warning got the key prediction wrong. Apple did not end updates for the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus or first-generation iPhone SE with iOS 15; it brought them onto iOS 15 and maintained that branch for years. The latest listed release, iOS 15.8.8, shows unusually long security support through May 11, 2026. These phones remain usable, but they are legacy devices: app compatibility, battery condition, carrier support and the absence of newer iOS features should determine whether you keep one or move to newer hardware.
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