How do I update iOS 18 on my iPhone 6s to download apps?

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

Open Settings ➢ General ➢ Software Update.

If you get the message; "iOS is up to date", then your iPhone has reached the end-of-life support for Software Updates to the latest iOS operating system, depriving you of new features created many years ago.

Many modern apps are not compatible, limiting the usability of your device.

You are invited to visit an Apple retail store to discuss your iPhone upgrade options.

Learn about the ⇢ iPhone Upgrade Program. ⇠📲

Since your iPhone 6s is too old for a trade-in, the only option is to recycle it for free. ♻️

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

An iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or iPhone SE 1 isn't capable of 16 or above; they require an A11 or better CPU.

(265126)

As Niel puts simply, you cannot. Your 6s won't run iOS 18. If you want to run 18 you will need one of these iPhones at least: XS, XS Max, and XR, though I would go with something higher just so you aren't buying yet another iPhone next year.

In general there are different ways to ensure the highest iOS that your device will support is installed on your device. When updating, your device will update to the highest version currently available that it will support, or it will just say it is up to date (and can't go any higher) and won't install anything. If you want to run a higher system version than your current device is capable of running, you need to buy a newer device.

This support article has instructions about updating an iPhone or iPad wirelessly --> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support Read the article for recommended criteria for being able to use wireless updating.

You can also use Mac and PC computers to update system software --> Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support