My software update page says my software is updated with 12.5.5, but I need 13.0 or later to access other Apps

The_Patience_Clan_2022 wrote:

Why is that? Firmware, hardware ....?

An iPhone 6 (2014) contains half the memory of the oldest iPhone with support for iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15.

There are no workarounds, and there are no hardware upgrades.

Your option for apps requiring iOS13 and later is a newer (used, refurb) or new iPhone.

Any recent iPhone will be substantially more capable than the iPhone 6, as well.

An iPhone 6 isn't capable of 13 or above.

(212513)

Your phone has 1GB of RAM. Versions from 13 and up require 2 GB minimum.