The iPhone 6 was released by Apple in September 2014. Now, over 8 years later, the iPhone 6 is considered outdated technology. However, it still retains some value on the second-hand market. In this article, we will look at what factors determine the current value of an iPhone 6 and provide an estimate on what you can expect to sell or buy one for today.
Launch Price and Specs of iPhone 6
When it was first released in 2014, the iPhone 6 retailed for $649 for the 16GB model, $749 for 64GB, and $849 for 128GB. The larger iPhone 6 Plus cost $100 more at each storage tier.
The iPhone 6 was significant for introducing a larger 4.7-inch display, up from 4-inches on the iPhone 5s and previous models. It also slimmed down the thickness to 6.9mm and featured an improved camera, faster A8 chip, and Apple Pay. Here are the full specs of the iPhone 6:
| Launch date | September 2014 |
| Display | 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 LCD (326 ppi) |
| Processor | Apple A8 |
| Storage | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| Rear camera | 8MP, f/2.2 aperture |
| Front camera | 1.2MP |
| Video recording | 1080p HD |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (fingerprint sensor) |
| Battery | 1810 mAh |
| Charging | Lightning connector |
| Headphone jack | Yes |
| Operating system | iOS 8, upgradeable to iOS 15.7 |
| Dimensions | 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm |
| Weight | 129 grams |
Depreciation of iPhone 6 Over Time
As with all technology, iPhones decrease in value over time as newer models are released with improved specs and features. iPhones generally lose around 40-50% of their value in the first year after launch. By year two, they are worth only about 25-35% of the original price.
The iPhone 6 has followed this typical depreciation curve. It maintained strong demand in its first 2 years, before seeing more rapid diminishing value once the iPhone 7, 8, and X models were released. In 2022, an iPhone 6 in good condition is realistically only worth around 10-15% of its original price when new.
Here is an approximate breakdown of how much an iPhone 6 would have been worth at different points after its release:
| Time After Launch | Resale Value Percentage |
| 1 year | 60% of original price |
| 2 years | 40% of original price |
| 3 years | 25% of original price |
| 4 years | 15% of original price |
| 5 years | 10% of original price |
| 6 years | 5% of original price |
| 7 years | 3% of original price |
| 8 years | 1-2% of original price |
Keep in mind these numbers are just estimates and actual resale prices can vary depending on condition, storage size, and demand in your local market. But in general, technology depreciation has brought the current value of an iPhone 6 far below its original MSRP.
Factors That Determine iPhone 6 Value
There are a few key factors that determine how much an iPhone 6 is worth today in 2023:
Condition
The physical condition plays a big role in resale value. An iPhone 6 in pristine condition with no cracks, chips, or scratches will retain the most value. Normal wear and tear will bring the price down slightly. Heavy cosmetic damage like cracked screens or badly scratched housings can decrease value dramatically. And water damage is one of the biggest devaluing factors.
Storage Capacity
Higher storage capacities tend to hold value better over time. A 128GB iPhone 6 today will be worth more than a 16GB model. More storage is always desirable.
Original Accessories
Having the original box, manuals, headphones, and charging cable can increase resale value a bit over just the iPhone itself. Collectors and gift-givers sometimes are willing to pay slightly more for the full original package.
Color and Model Variants
Special color variants and models like the gold or rose gold iPhone 6 can fetch a small premium over standard colors. And the larger iPhone 6 Plus tends to retain a bit more value due to its display size.
Jailbroken/Unlocked Status
A jailbroken iPhone 6 or one with an unlocked SIM may be worth a little bit more to certain niche buyers who want more control and customization.
Repairs and Damage History
Any significant repairs like display or battery replacements should be disclosed and will bring the price down. But disclosing repairs upfront is better than hiding them.
Current Demand and Local Market
Local demand for used smartphones varies regionally, so prices will fluctuate a bit based on your buyers’ market. More tech-savvy cities may pay a premium compared to rural areas.
Current iPhone 6 Prices
Taking all of these factors into account, here are rough estimates for iPhone 6 resale prices in 2023:
| iPhone 6 Model | Good Condition Price | Fair Condition Price |
| 16GB | $50 – $75 | $25 – $50 |
| 64GB | $75 – $100 | $40 – $75 |
| 128GB | $100 – $150 | $60 – $100 |
“Good condition” assumes just normal wear and minimal scratches. “Fair condition” involves more noticeable cosmetic defects but with the phone still fully functional.
These prices are based on resale sites like eBay, Swappa, Craigslist, and Decluttr where most people unload their old iPhones. Individual private sales may get slightly higher amounts. And prices at phone recyclers or trade-in programs will be on the lower end.
Is the iPhone 6 Still Usable in 2023?
While the iPhone 6 is dated in terms of technology, it can still get the job done for basic functions in 2023 provided it’s in good working order. However, there are some limitations to using an iPhone 6 today:
- Limited to iOS 12 – Cannot be updated to the latest iOS versions. Lacks the latest features and security patches.
- Slow processor – The A8 chip struggles with demanding apps and multitasking.
- Low storage – Maximum of 128GB will quickly fill up with apps, photos and videos.
- Old battery – Most batteries degraded significantly after 8 years.
- No 5G – Stuck on 3G/4G networks.
- Mediocre display – Smaller, lower resolution screen compared to new iPhones.
- Basic camera – Just 8MP resolution, no portrait mode or low light capabilities.
For kids, seniors, or extremely light users, the iPhone 6 can still get basic tasks done like calling, texting, maps, and social media. But most consumers these days will be better served upgrading to a newer device.
Is the iPhone 6 Fully Obsolete?
Apple discontinues software support and issues security updates for older devices after about 5-6 years. The iPhone 6 launched with iOS 8 and received updates up through iOS 12 in 2020. Since then, it has been considered obsolete in terms of software support.
It’s possible to jailbreak an iPhone 6 to load newer iOS versions, but this is risky in terms of security vulnerabilities. For everyday use, we don’t recommend using an iPhone 6 on anything newer than iOS 12.
In terms of cellular network support, the iPhone 6 is also outdated. It lacks 4G LTE-Advanced connectivity and is not compatible with 5G networks deployed over the past few years.
For practical daily use, the iPhone 6’s obsolete software and network support make it a poor choice in 2023. Using outdated technology often leads to a bad and frustrating user experience.
How to Get the Most Value Selling an iPhone 6
If you’re looking to sell an old iPhone 6, here are some tips to maximize the resale value:
- Reset the device – Wipe it and remove any accounts or personal data.
- Get it repaired if needed – Especially screen/battery issues.
- Clean it thoroughly – No scratches, scuffs or defects.
- Have original accessories – Box, manuals, charger.
- Check functionality – Test everything to make sure it works.
- Take quality photos – Show off condition from all angles.
- Get insurance/tracking for shipping – If selling online.
- Be honest in your listing – Disclose any flaws or repairs needed.
- Price it right – Research going rates and current demand.
- Be patient – Certain colors/capacity may take longer to sell.
Selling locally via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace allows you to maximize profit, but may take more time and effort to coordinate meetings and handle payment. Selling on established marketplaces like eBay, Swappa or Decluttr is usually quicker but they take a larger cut.
Other Options for Reusing or Recycling
If you don’t feel the hassle of selling an old iPhone 6 is worth it, there are other environmentally responsible ways to handle it:
- Trade it in – Apple and many carriers now offer trade-in credits for old iPhones.
- Recycle it – Best Buy, Gazelle and other retailers accept devices for recycling.
- Donate it – Charities like Cellphones for Soldiers will take old phones.
- Pass it on – Give to a friend or family member who needs a spare phone.
- Keep it as a backup – Can still be good to have on hand for emergencies.
Properly reselling, recycling or donating your iPhone 6 gives the device a second life and keeps it out of landfills. It reduces waste and allows others to get value from old tech.
Conclusion
While an iPhone 6 is now well past its prime and will never regain its original $600+ dollar price tag, it can still be worth a bit of cash or serve as a handy backup phone. Realistically, you can expect to sell an iPhone 6 today for around $50-$150 depending on condition and specs.
The iPhone 6 holds a special place as the first iPhone with a larger 4.7-inch screen and introduction of Apple Pay. But eight years later, its dated hardware and software mean it’s best suited as a cheap device for kids or extremely basic use. For most buyers today, we’d recommend looking at newer models like an iPhone XR or 11 which will have longer support lifetimes and better performance.
Have you tried selling or buying an iPhone 6 recently? What value have you found for the iPhone 6 in 2023? Let us know in the comments!
