The iPhone 6 was released in September 2014 and represented a significant upgrade over previous iPhone models. When first launched, the iPhone 6 retailed for $649 for the 16GB model, $749 for 64GB, and $849 for 128GB. However, as with all technology, the price of the iPhone 6 has dropped steadily since its initial release over 8 years ago. Today, you can find a used iPhone 6 for under $100 in many cases.
Price at Launch in 2014
As mentioned above, the iPhone 6 started at $649 for the 16GB model upon first launch. Here is a breakdown of the initial pricing:
- iPhone 6 16GB – $649
- iPhone 6 64GB – $749
- iPhone 6 128GB – $849
Compared to the iPhone 5S which preceded it, the iPhone 6 was $100 more expensive at launch for the base 16GB model. However, despite the increased price, demand was very high for the iPhone 6 and wait times quickly climbed as supply struggled to match demand. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were the first iPhones to have significantly larger screen sizes at 4.7″ and 5.5″ respectively. This was likely a major driver of demand as many iOS fans had been calling for larger screens on the iPhone.
Price Changes Over Time
As with any technology product, the price of the iPhone 6 dropped steadily after launch. When the iPhone 6S was released a year later in September 2015, Apple dropped the price of the iPhone 6 models by $100 each. Here were the new prices for the iPhone 6 as of September 2015:
- iPhone 6 16GB – $549
- iPhone 6 64GB – $649
- iPhone 6 128GB – $749
Another year later in September 2016 when the iPhone 7 launched, Apple dropped iPhone 6 prices by another $100:
- iPhone 6 16GB – $449
- iPhone 6 64GB – $549
- iPhone 6 128GB – $649
This reflected a natural price decline of around $100 per year for the iPhone 6. Of course, Apple eventually discontinued the iPhone 6 in Fall 2017 when the iPhone 8 launched. But you could still find iPhone 6 models being resold through various channels like refurbishers and carriers.
Current Unlocked Prices
If you are looking to buy an iPhone 6 today in 2023, you’ll be looking at the used or refurbished market. Here are current price ranges you can expect to pay if you want to buy an unlocked iPhone 6:
- iPhone 6 16GB – $80-$120
- iPhone 6 64GB – $100-$150
- iPhone 6 128GB – $120-$180
Of course, prices can vary a bit based on condition, color, and exact specs. But in general, expect to pay around $100-$150 for an iPhone 6 these days. Here are some examples of current pricing on popular resale sites:
| Site | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | iPhone 6 16GB Space Gray | $99.99 |
| Amazon | iPhone 6 64GB Gold | $129.99 |
| Backmarket | iPhone 6 128GB Silver | $139.99 |
As you can see, prices are very consistent in the $100 to $150 range for an unlocked iPhone 6 depending on storage capacity. Of course, you may see some variance for brand new replacement units versus used phones in good condition. But overall, expect to pay under $200 for an iPhone 6 these days.
Carrier Pricing
If you want to save a little money on an iPhone 6, you may be able to find some good deals through major carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Here are some example current offers:
- AT&T – iPhone 6 Certified Restored starting at $99.99
- Verizon – Pre-owned iPhone 6 starting at $79.99
- T-Mobile – Pre-owned iPhone 6 for $100
Keep in mind carrier pricing requires a service contract and is often for a locked phone. But if you don’t mind a contract, it can be $20-$50 cheaper going through a carrier.
Is the iPhone 6 Still Worth Buying in 2023?
While the iPhone 6 is certainly outdated compared to Apple’s latest models, it can still be a decent smartphone choice on a budget today in 2023. The main considerations are:
- It will be limited to iOS 12 which does not get the latest iOS features
- Processing power and battery life will be noticeably slower than new iPhones
- You won’t get features like Face ID, gesture navigation, or edge-to-edge displays
- The single rear camera means lower quality photos compared to multi-lens cameras on newer iPhones
However, for simple tasks like messaging, emails, social media, and web browsing – the iPhone 6 remains very capable. And at under $200, it’s a fraction of the cost of a new iPhone 14.
So if you’re looking for an affordable iOS device primarily for basic use, don’t need the latest features, and want to save money – the iPhone 6 can be a decent option still in 2023. Just don’t expect blazing fast performance and amazing cameras like you’d get on a newer device.
Conclusion
The iPhone 6 originally retailed for $649 in 2014 for a 16GB model. But prices steadily declined over the years after launch. Today in 2023, you can easily find used and refurbished iPhone 6 models selling for under $200. On resale sites and through carriers, prices typically range from $80-$150 depending on factors like storage, condition, and locks/contracts.
While the iPhone 6 is outdated compared to the latest iPhones, it can still be a good budget iOS device option. For basic functions like messaging, calls, email, and light apps – the iPhone 6 remains very usable in 2023. But keep expectations reasonable around performance and camera quality compared to new iPhones. For those looking to save money though, the iPhone 6 can be a great affordable way to get iOS and Apple hardware at a fraction of the cost of the latest devices.
