Can You Still Use an Old iPhone in 2026? iPhone 6s, 7 and 8 Explained

The iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 were some of the best-selling phones Apple ever made, and plenty of people still want one: for the headphone jack, the Touch ID home button, the smaller size, or simply because they never liked the newer designs. But can you actually use one day to day in 2026?

The short answer is yes, with a few limits. This guide explains what still works, what doesn't, and which older iPhone makes the most sense for you.

The last iOS version for each model

Apple stops adding major updates after a few years, but older iPhones keep getting security fixes for a while after that. Here's where each model stops:

iPhone	Released	Last major iOS
iPhone 6 / 6 Plus	2014	iOS 12
iPhone 6s / 6s Plus	2015	iOS 15
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus	2016	iOS 15
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus	2017	iOS 16

The newer the iOS version, the more apps will install. That makes the iPhone 8 the safest pick for everyday use, with the iPhone 6s and 7 close behind.

Does WhatsApp still work?

WhatsApp is the question we get asked most. From 30 November 2026, WhatsApp needs iOS 15.5 or later. That means:

• iPhone 8: yes, on iOS 16.
• iPhone 6s and iPhone 7: yes, as long as the phone is updated to the latest iOS 15 version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update after you set it up.
• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: no. These stop at iOS 12, so treat them as a collector's piece, a music player or a calls-and-texts phone.

App makers change their minimum versions from time to time, so if one app is essential to you, check its App Store page before you buy.

Banking apps, maps and everything else

• Banking apps: many UK banks now ask for a fairly recent iOS. Some still support iOS 15 and 16, some don't. Check your bank's app listing or help page first.
• Maps, music, podcasts, email and the camera: all work. Apple Music, Spotify and podcast apps are fine on iOS 15 and 16.
• Apple Pay: works on the iPhone 6 and later, as long as your bank supports the iOS version.
• Calls and texts: work on any UK network. If your network doesn't support 4G calling on an older model, the phone simply makes calls over 2G instead.

Battery: what to expect

Batteries age even when a phone sits in a box. A sealed, never-used iPhone has had no charge cycles, but its battery is still years old. A refurbished iPhone has been used, then tested and graded. Either way, expect a full day of light use rather than heavy all-day gaming. Our battery health guide explains what the numbers mean.

Our picks

Best for everyday use: iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 64GB (refurbished) runs iOS 16, has wireless charging and a glass back, and still feels quick for messages, music and maps. At £68.99, it's the cheapest way into a working iPhone with WhatsApp.

The last iPhone with a headphone jack: iPhone 6s

The iPhone 6s 16GB in Gold is brand new old stock and the final iPhone with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Small, light and runs iOS 15. £207.99.

For the big screen and dual camera: iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus 256GB in Gold brought Apple's first dual camera and portrait mode, with plenty of storage for music and photos. Brand new, £362.99.

For collectors: iPhone 7 Jet Black and iPhone 6 Plus

The glossy iPhone 7 Jet Black 256GB (£328.99) was only made in the higher storage sizes and is now hard to find sealed. The iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (£399.99) is a brand-new example of the first big-screen iPhone, one for the shelf rather than the pocket.

See every older iPhone in our Apple collection, or browse the whole Retro Tech range.

Old iPhone FAQ

Is an old iPhone safe to use?

For everyday use, pick a model that still gets security updates and keep it updated. Older iPhones that no longer get updates are best used for music, as a spare phone, or as a collector's item.

Will my SIM card fit?

The iPhone 6 to iPhone 8 all take a nano SIM, the same size used by current iPhones and most new phones.

Can I restore my iCloud backup onto it?

Only if the backup was made on the same or an older iOS version than the phone can run. A backup from an iPhone on iOS 18 won't restore onto an iPhone 8 on iOS 16. You can still sign in to iCloud to get your photos, contacts and notes.

Buying Retro Tech from XTEC: every handset is genuine, never a replica or clone, and dispatched from our UK warehouse 5 days a week, with 30-day returns. Questions about a model? Message us on WhatsApp at 07599 803768 and a real person will reply.