What iPhone Came Out in 2015: The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
Explore what iPhone came out in 2015, focusing on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, their key features, and how they fit into today’s tech landscape. Includes buying guidance for 2026.
What iPhone came out in 2015? The answer is the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, announced in 2015 and shipping later that year. These models introduced notable advances like the A9 chip, 12‑MP camera, Live Photos, and the first major software-hardware integration with 3D Touch. For 2026, they remain relevant as budget-friendly options or as reliable secondary devices for Apple enthusiasts.
what iphone came out in 2015
In addressing the question of what iphone came out in 2015, the answer centers on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple unveiled these models in September 2015, expanding the familiar 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch form factors with meaningful internal upgrades. The 6s family carried forward the classic iPhone design but packed a newer A-series chip, more RAM, a higher-resolution camera, and a suite of new software-driven capabilities. For 2026 readers, these devices still offer a compelling entry point for Apple enthusiasts or a practical second-hand option, especially when paired with a well-maintained battery and updated software. As you consider what iphone came out in 2015, note that the 6s line was designed to feel like a faster, more capable version of the prior generation without a radical reshape of the chassis.
Release timeline and key dates
Apple formally announced the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus on September 9, 2015, with availability following later that month. The timing mattered: it allowed Apple to kick off the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons with a strong performance upgrade over the previous year’s models. The rollout emphasized features that benefited from a period of software maturity, such as Live Photos integration with iOS updates and improved Touch ID. For readers exploring what iphone came out in 2015, the release window highlighted Apple’s strategy of iterative improvement—more capabilities packed into a familiar, comfortable chassis. In 2026 terms, these devices are a reminder that a well-tuned hardware-software stack can extend a device’s usefulness beyond its initial launch year.
Core improvements: hardware and software
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus shipped with notable hardware and software upgrades that defined the 2015 lineup. The A9 chip delivered faster CPU and GPU performance, enabling snappier app transitions and smoother mobile gaming. RAM was increased, contributing to better multitasking for everyday apps and tasks. The 12 MP iSight camera offered improved image quality, while Live Photos provided motion and audio to captures, expanding how users remember moments. A defining feature was 3D Touch, which introduced a pressure-sensitive screen for quick context menus and new navigation shortcuts. These enhancements illustrate how 2015’s models aligned hardware capabilities with software-driven experiences, setting a template for future iPhone iterations.
Notable features introduced in the 2015 iPhones
The 2015 iPhones introduced a suite of features that would become industry expectations. 3D Touch enabled pressure-aware interactions, enabling new gesture-based shortcuts and previews. Live Photos added an emotional dimension to pictures by capturing a moment before and after the shutter press. The devices also refined haptic feedback and performance, supporting more fluid iOS experiences and app interactions. In addition, the 6s family continued to leverage the familiar home button withTouch ID improvements for faster authentication. While not every feature remains cutting-edge in 2026, the combination of 3D Touch and Live Photos shaped how developers designed experiences around pressure-sensitive input and media capture.
How to identify a 2015 iPhone in practice
If you’re identifying a 2015 iPhone in the wild, use a few practical cues. Look for the “S” suffix on models to indicate the 6s family and for the presence of 3D Touch as a hardware feature. The design preserves the familiar rounded edges and glass back, but you’ll notice the more responsive display and camera bump in photos. Serial numbers and region-specific model numbers can confirm the exact variant. For buyers, a physical indicator such as the “S” badge and a quick check of camera performance can help verify a 2015 release. These cues are especially relevant when evaluating devices in the used market in 2026.
Longevity and practical use today
In 2026, deciding whether to use a 2015 iPhone like the 6s or 6s Plus depends on your priorities. The devices are capable of running modern apps and iOS up to a certain point, but you’ll encounter software compatibility limitations and shorter battery life relative to newer models. Expect limited support for the latest features and a slower overall experience compared with recent iPhones. If you’re considering an older device for daily tasks, prioritize a battery replacement, storage cleanup, and a fresh install of a supported iOS version to maximize longevity. The 2015 iPhone lineup remains a viable choice for light users or as a reliable backup device, especially when prices are favorable and devices are well cared for.
How 2015 models compare to earlier and later releases
Compared to the 2014 iPhone 6 lineup, the 2015 6s family offered better processing power, improved cameras, and an innovative new touch interface. Against later generations, the 6s models pale in the face of more advanced camera systems, faster chipsets, and longer software support. The “S” naming convention signified incremental improvements rather than a radical redesign, which helped maintain a sense of continuity for users upgrading within the ecosystem. For those studying the evolution of iPhone design and feature sets, the 2015 models mark a pivotal moment where software-driven experiences began to redefine hardware expectations.
2015 iPhone models at a glance
| Model | Release Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s | 2015 | A9 chip; 12 MP camera; Live Photos; 3D Touch |
| iPhone 6s Plus | 2015 | Larger display; same key features as 6s |
FAQ
Which iPhone models were released in 2015?
The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were released in 2015. They introduced features like 3D Touch, Live Photos, and the A9 chip, marking a notable upgrade over the previous year’s models.
The 2015 iPhone lineup was the 6s and 6s Plus, bringing 3D Touch and Live Photos.
Did the 2015 iPhones introduce 3D Touch?
Yes, 3D Touch was introduced with the iPhone 6s family in 2015, offering new ways to interact with the display through pressure-sensitive gestures.
Yes—3D Touch debuted with the 6s lineup in 2015, introducing pressure-based interactions.
Is it worth buying a 2015 iPhone in 2026?
If you need a budget-friendly iPhone for basic tasks or as a secondary device, a well-kept 6s/6s Plus can be a reasonable option. Expect slower performance and limited software support compared with newer models.
If you want a cheap, basic iPhone in 2026, a 2015 model can work, but manage expectations about speed and updates.
Can a 2015 iPhone still run current apps?
Many apps will run, but some newer apps and updates may run slowly or require workarounds. Battery life and storage constraints are common considerations for older devices.
It might run many apps, but some newer ones could be slow or not supported well.
How can I identify a genuine 2015 iPhone?
Check for the ‘S’ badge on the model, verify the camera and Touch ID performance, and confirm serial/model numbers with Apple’s official resources.
Look for the ‘S’ on the model and verify via Apple’s checks.
What are the unique camera features of 2015 iPhones?
The 2015 iPhones featured a 12 MP rear camera with improved image processing and introduced Live Photos, which captures moments as moving pictures with sound.
12 MP camera with Live Photos was a highlight of the 2015 iPhones.
“The 2015 iPhone models demonstrated Apple's commitment to software-hardware synergy, laying groundwork for features like 3D Touch and Live Photos that influenced later generations.”
Quick Summary
- Learn which iPhones came out in 2015 and why they mattered
- Evaluate the 6s family based on hardware upgrades like the A9 chip and 3D Touch
- Consider software support and battery health when buying used 2015 iPhones
- Explore practical tips to identify a genuine 2015 model in today’s market
- Balance nostalgia with modern app expectations when using a 2015 iPhone in 2026
