Can you update iPhone 6 to iOS 14 or newer?

How to update ios14 on iPhone 6


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iPhone 6, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 18, 2023 1:27 AM

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Posted on Apr 18, 2023 1:32 AM

Hey there. If the phone is an iPhone 6 (and not an iPhone 6S) then it's not supported on iOS 14. The iPhone 6 supports up to iOS 12.


There's more info on that here: iPhone models compatible with iOS 14.7 – Apple Support (UK)


448 replies

Sep 25, 2023 5:55 AM in response to CMens

CMens wrote:

Can I upgrade from IOS 12.5.7 to 14? And how is the process done if it’s possible


No, you cannot upgrade the version of iOS on an iPhone 6 to iOS 14. That phone cannot run anything later than the latest version of iOS 12 (currently iOS 12.5.7). The process for running a higher version of iOS is to go buy a newer phone (at your own expense). You may then want to consider re-purposing the iPhone 6 as a music player or returning it to Apple for recycling.


If you have a later phone (iPhone 6s through XR) that is running iOS 12.5.7 now, but that can run a later version of iOS, I don't think you'll be offered iOS 14 now. You'll be offered something later. If you are eligible to upgrade to iOS 15 or 16, but you've skipped several updates, you might need the help of a Mac or PC to install them on your iPhone. (And no, using a Mac or PC will not let you install these later versions of iOS on an iPhone 6.)


An iPhone 11 or higher would have shipped with something later than iOS 12.5.7. That's enough to tell us that you are not trying to update the version of iOS on one of those models.


Oct 13, 2023 4:08 PM in response to coded68

Hello ~ You can update to iOS 12.5.9 but no further. Click on the links below….


Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support


If you need a higher version of iOS you will need a newer iPhone. Click below to shop for a new device…


iPhone - Apple Official Site


If you purchase a second hand device please take a moment to read these helpful links by clicking on below to make an informed decision…



Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Also:


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone


~Katana-San~



Oct 30, 2023 6:29 PM in response to moussa157

moussa157 wrote:

Software update iphone 6


If your iPhone 6 is running something earlier than iOS 12.5.7, you should be able to update it to iOS 12.5.7, using these directions:


Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If your iPhone 6 is running iOS 12.5.7, it is already at the end of the line (barring the possible – if rather unlikely – release of additional iOS 12 security patches). You cannot get it to run iOS 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or any other newer version of iOS that Apple may release in the future.


To run current or recent versions of iOS, you will need a hardware upgrade. Here are two sources. (These links are for the U.S. sites; the sites for your country might be a little different.)


Buy iPhone - Apple

Refurbished iPhone Deals - Apple


Bring money. Apple has a trade-in program, but when I asked the trade-in tool about the credit for an iPhone 6, the site put up the message


"Based on what you've told us, your iPhone is ready to recycle. While it doesn't qualify for a gift card, just send it to us and we'll recycle it for free."


Nov 15, 2023 1:02 PM in response to Kiradenis180

No, it's not going to happen.


An iPhone 6/6 plus can't be updated beyond 12.5.7, it doesn't have the hardware needed to run anything higher.

If you need a higher iOS version, you will have to purchase a newer phone.


To update to 12.5.7 -


Go to Settings > General > Software Update.


This link will show you how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using WiFi -

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


This link will show you how to update using your computer -

Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support



Nov 15, 2023 5:00 PM in response to Kiradenis180

Here's how to upgrade from an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, running iOS 12.5.7, to an iPhone running a newer version of iOS. It involves a hardware upgrade. A paid hardware upgrade.


Step 1: Buy a newer iPhone that can run a more recent version of iOS. Beware of the temptation to buy any used iPhone whose price seems "too good to be true" or that – if from a seller other than Apple – does not thoroughly check out as unlocked BEFORE you hand over your money. If you buy a "hot" (stolen), Activation-Locked phone, you will be buying a brick, and odds are that you will never see your money again.


Buy iPhone - Apple (link for U.S. store)

Certified Refurbished Products - Apple (link for U.S. store)

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone


I would suggest a model that can run iOS 17. There's no big disadvantage to running iOS 15 or 16 right now, but in a few years, app makers may have moved on to iOS 17 as a base requirement. That would give a phone which can run iOS 17 a longer period of compatibility with new apps, than a phone which can't.

iPhone models compatible with iOS 17 - Apple Support.


Step 2: Use Quick Start or other methods (iCloud synchronization, etc.) to set up your new iPhone. Your iPhone 6 will need to be running at least iOS 11 to support a Quick Start transfer. But it can run iOS 12.5.7, so it sounds as if that won't be an issue. You may also need to contact your phone company (carrier) to transfer service.


Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Step 3: Prepare your outdated iPhone 6 for sale, donation, or recycling.


What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Step 4: If you do not know of anyone who would like to have, or pay you for, your outdated iPhone 6, send it back to Apple for recycling. I don't think Apple will offer you anything (like a gift card) for the return of an iPhone 6, but they may offer to recycle the phone for free.


Apple Trade In - Apple


Step 5: Enjoy the new iPhone that you purchased in step #1 and set up in step #2!






Nov 27, 2023 9:44 PM in response to Musurmonov

Musurmonov wrote:

l have iPhone 6 ,but it is ios 10. My iPhone 6 need update iOS 14 version


What's available for your iPhone 6 is the latest version of iOS 12 – iOS 12.5.7. I'm not sure how much gain you will get upgrading from iOS 10 to iOS 12 at this late date, but if you want to do that, see the second link below. (Note: like all production upgrades, this is a one-way upgrade. Do it, and you won't be able to go back.)


About iOS 12 Updates - Apple Support

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If you need anything later than that, you will need to get a new iPhone.


Dec 10, 2023 7:48 AM in response to Myairpodsnotworking

Hello ~ You can update to iOS 12.5.7 but no further. Click on the links below….


Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support


If you need a higher version of iOS you will need a newer iPhone. Click below to shop for a new device…


iPhone - Apple Official Site


If you purchase a second hand device please take a moment to read these helpful links by clicking on below to make an informed decision…



Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Also:


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone


~Katana-San~

Dec 21, 2023 7:51 AM in response to jennica144

jennica144 wrote:

i want to update my iphone, because i want my iphone to install the other app

The only way your want can be satisfied is to get rid of your 9 year old iPhone and get a model that supports newer versions.


  • iPhone XR, XS, SE 2nd or 3rd edition, iPhone 11 and newer: You can update to iOS 17.2.1
  • iPhone 8, and iPhone X you can update to 16.7.3
  • Any iPhone series 6S and 7, and original SE: You can update to 15.8
  • iPhone 5S or 6: You cannot update to iOS 13 or higher; you can update only to iOS 12.5.7
  • iPhone 5: You can update only to 10.3.4
  • iPhone 5C: You can update only to 10.3.3
  • iPhone 4S: You can update only to 9.3.6
  • iPhone 4: You can update only to 7.1.2


If 

Dec 21, 2023 12:02 PM in response to jennet272

Hello ~ You can update to iOS 12.5.7 but no further. Click on the links below….


Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support


If you need a higher version of iOS you will need a newer iPhone. Click below to shop for a new device…


iPhone - Apple Official Site


If you purchase a second hand device please take a moment to read these helpful links by clicking on below to make an informed decision…



Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Also:


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone


~Katana-San~

Feb 17, 2024 7:38 AM in response to Cyrahlopez

There's no way to run iOS 13 or later on the iPhone 6. If you want recent versions of iOS, your only options are to "go without" or to get a replacement for the outdated iPhone.


You may want to look for a phone that is recent enough to run iOS 16 or 17.

iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices - Apple Support

iPhone models compatible with iOS 17 - Apple Support


If you are thinking of buying a used iPhone, carefully review the pre-purchase checklist in

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community

so that you buy a phone that is prepared properly for a new owner – not an Activation-Locked "brick".

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can you update iPhone 6 to iOS 14 or newer?

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