iPhone 6S Specifications: Complete Technical Guide & Details (2026)
The iPhone 6S is a smartphone developed by Apple Inc., released on September 25, 2015, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Apple A9 processor, 12MP camera, and innovative 3D Touch technology.
I’ve compiled these specifications from official Apple documentation and verified technical sources to give you the complete picture of what the iPhone 6S offered.
While the iPhone 6S is now considered obsolete in 2026 with no security updates since January 2023, understanding its specifications remains valuable for historical context, repair reference, or if you’re considering an upgrade from this device.
iPhone 6S Key Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the iPhone 6S technical specifications organized by category for quick reference.
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi, IPS LCD |
| Processor | Apple A9 chip | Dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister, 64-bit architecture |
| RAM | 2GB LPDDR4 | Confirmed through teardowns |
| Storage | 16/32/64/128 GB | No microSD expansion |
| Rear Camera | 12MP iSight | f/2.2 aperture, 4K video at 30fps |
| Front Camera | 5MP FaceTime HD | f/2.2 aperture, 720p HD video |
| Battery | 1715 mAh | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| iOS Support | iOS 9 to iOS 15.8.4 | Final update January 2023 |
| Dimensions | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm | 143 grams |
| Special Feature | 3D Touch | Pressure-sensitive display technology |
⚠️ Important: The iPhone 6S no longer receives security updates as of January 2023, making it vulnerable to security risks in 2026.
Hardware and Performance Specifications
The iPhone 6S introduced the Apple A9 chip, a significant upgrade from the A8 processor in the iPhone 6.
Processor Details
The A9 chip features a dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister CPU built on either Samsung’s 14nm or TSMC’s 16nm process (depending on the unit).
This processor delivered 70% faster CPU performance and 90% faster GPU performance compared to the A8 chip.
The integrated M9 motion coprocessor handles sensor data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and barometer without waking the main processor.
Memory and Graphics
The iPhone 6S includes 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM, doubling the 1GB in the iPhone 6.
Graphics processing is handled by the PowerVR GT7600 six-core GPU, supporting Metal API for enhanced gaming performance.
Apple A9 Chip: A 64-bit ARM-based system on a chip (SoC) featuring a dual-core CPU and six-core GPU, manufactured using a 14nm or 16nm FinFET process.
Storage Options
The iPhone 6S launched with 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB options, with a 32GB model added later in 2016.
Storage uses NVMe-based flash memory for faster read/write speeds compared to previous generations.
Display and Camera Specifications
The iPhone 6S features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with breakthrough 3D Touch technology.
Display Technology
The IPS LCD screen offers 1334 x 750 pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch.
Maximum brightness reaches 500 cd/m² (typical) with a 1400:1 contrast ratio.
The display supports full sRGB color gamut and includes dual-domain pixels for wider viewing angles.
3D Touch Innovation
3D Touch technology senses force using capacitive sensors integrated into the backlight.
This allowed three levels of pressure recognition: tap, press, and deeper press.
The Taptic Engine provides haptic feedback to confirm different pressure levels.
✅ Historical Note: 3D Touch was discontinued in newer iPhones starting with the iPhone 11, making the 6S series unique for this feature.
Camera System
The rear 12-megapixel iSight camera features an f/2.2 aperture and Focus Pixels for faster autofocus.
Video capabilities include 4K recording at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 or 60 fps, and 720p at 30 fps.
The 5-megapixel FaceTime HD front camera introduced Retina Flash, using the display as a flash for selfies.
Live Photos capture 1.5 seconds before and after a photo, creating short animated memories.
Connectivity and Battery Specifications (2026)
The iPhone 6S supports comprehensive connectivity options for its era, though it lacks modern standards like 5G.
Cellular and Network Bands
LTE Advanced support provides theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload.
The device supports 23 LTE bands for global roaming compatibility.
| Network Type | Supported Bands |
|---|---|
| GSM/EDGE | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz |
| UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA | 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz |
| CDMA EV-DO Rev. A | 800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz |
| LTE | Bands 1-5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17-20, 25-29 |
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO technology operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Bluetooth 4.2 provides wireless connectivity for accessories and data transfer.
NFC hardware exists but is limited to Apple Pay functionality only.
Battery Life and Charging
The 1715 mAh lithium-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G.
Internet use delivers up to 10 hours on 3G, 10 hours on LTE, and 11 hours on Wi-Fi.
Charging occurs through the Lightning connector with no wireless charging support.
Software and iOS Compatibility
The iPhone 6S shipped with iOS 9 and received its final update to iOS 15.8.4 in January 2023.
iOS Version History
- iOS 9 (2015): Original operating system with 3D Touch integration
- iOS 10-14: Regular updates with new features and improvements
- iOS 15 (2021): Final major update with limited features
- iOS 15.8.4 (2023): Last security update before end of support
Current App Compatibility Issues
Many modern apps no longer support iOS 15, creating significant limitations in 2026.
Banking and financial apps often require iOS 16 or later for security compliance.
Popular social media and streaming apps increasingly drop support for older iOS versions.
⏰ Compatibility Alert: Approximately 60% of App Store apps now require iOS 16 or later, severely limiting iPhone 6S functionality.
iPhone 6S in 2026: Current Relevance and Limitations
After nearly a decade since release, the iPhone 6S faces significant challenges in 2026.
Security Concerns
Without security updates since January 2023, the iPhone 6S is vulnerable to newly discovered exploits.
Security researchers strongly advise against using unsupported devices for sensitive activities like banking or email.
The lack of updates means any security vulnerabilities discovered after 2023 remain unpatched.
Performance in Modern Context
The 2GB of RAM causes frequent app crashes and reloads with modern applications.
Web browsing has become notably slower as websites grow more complex and resource-intensive.
The A9 processor, while revolutionary in 2015, struggles with 2026 software demands.
Practical Usage Scenarios
Current iPhone 6S users report the device still functions for basic calling and texting.
Some users keep their iPhone 6S as a dedicated music player or backup camera.
The device works adequately for offline tasks but struggles with modern online services.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a more modern Apple device, you might want to explore our guide on the best Apple laptops to understand Apple’s current ecosystem offerings.
iPhone 6S vs Modern iPhones: Specification Comparison in 2026
Understanding how the iPhone 6S compares to current models highlights the dramatic evolution in smartphone technology.
| Feature | iPhone 6S (2015) | iPhone 15 (2026) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7″ LCD | 6.1″ OLED | 30% larger, better technology |
| Processor | A9 (dual-core) | A17 Pro (6-core) | 10x faster performance |
| RAM | 2GB | 8GB | 4x more memory |
| Camera | 12MP single | 48MP dual system | 4x resolution, multiple lenses |
| 5G Support | No | Yes | Next-gen connectivity |
| Battery Life | 14 hours talk | 26 hours video | Nearly 2x improvement |
Technology Evolution
The decade between these models shows massive advances in display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities.
Modern iPhones include features like Face ID, MagSafe wireless charging, and ProMotion displays that didn’t exist in 2015.
The price-to-performance ratio has improved dramatically, with modern budget iPhones outperforming the 2015 flagship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the iPhone 6S use?
The iPhone 6S uses the Apple A9 chip, a dual-core 1.84 GHz processor with 64-bit architecture. It’s paired with the M9 motion coprocessor and PowerVR GT7600 six-core graphics.
How much RAM does the iPhone 6S have?
The iPhone 6S has 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which was double the 1GB in the iPhone 6. This amount is insufficient for many modern apps in 2026, causing frequent crashes and reloads.
What is the maximum iOS version for iPhone 6S?
The iPhone 6S supports up to iOS 15.8.4, which was its final update in January 2023. The device cannot run iOS 16 or later versions, limiting app compatibility significantly.
Does iPhone 6S support 5G?
No, the iPhone 6S does not support 5G networks. It supports 4G LTE Advanced with theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbps download, but lacks the hardware for 5G connectivity.
What is 3D Touch on iPhone 6S?
3D Touch is a pressure-sensitive display technology that recognizes different levels of force on the screen. It enables features like Peek and Pop for previewing content, but Apple discontinued this feature in newer models.
Is iPhone 6S still worth using in 2026?
The iPhone 6S is not recommended for primary use in 2026 due to lack of security updates, limited app compatibility, and outdated performance. It may serve as a basic backup phone or media player but shouldn’t be used for sensitive tasks.
What camera specifications does iPhone 6S have?
The iPhone 6S features a 12MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture capable of 4K video at 30fps, and a 5MP front camera with Retina Flash. It introduced Live Photos but lacks features like Night mode or multiple lenses found in modern phones.
How long does iPhone 6S battery last?
The iPhone 6S has a 1715 mAh battery providing up to 14 hours talk time or 10 hours internet use when new. After 10 years, most units experience severe battery degradation requiring frequent charging.
Final Thoughts on iPhone 6S Specifications
The iPhone 6S represented significant technological advancement in 2015 with its A9 processor, 3D Touch display, and 12MP camera with 4K video.
These specifications made it a flagship device that introduced features like Live Photos and pressure-sensitive interactions that influenced smartphone design.
However, in 2026, the iPhone 6S is thoroughly obsolete with no security updates, limited app compatibility, and performance that can’t meet modern demands.
For anyone still using an iPhone 6S, I strongly recommend upgrading to at least an iPhone 11 or newer for security, performance, and app compatibility.
The specifications listed here serve primarily as historical reference or technical documentation for collectors, researchers, and those maintaining legacy devices.