If you’ve got an old iPhone 6 rattling around in a junk drawer, you're probably wondering if it’s worth a steak dinner or just a cup of coffee. Or maybe you're a parent looking for the cheapest possible "first phone" for a kid. Honestly, the market for this thing is weird. It’s a decade-old slab of aluminum and glass that Apple has long since left behind, yet people are still buying and selling them every single day.
So, iPhone 6: how much does it cost right now?
In 2026, the price is basically floor-level. You can find them for as little as $25 to $35 on marketplaces like eBay or Swappa if you’re okay with some scratches. If you want one that looks "Mint" or "Like New," you might see sellers asking for $65 to $80, but frankly, paying that much is a bit of a stretch given what the phone can—and can't—do.
The Reality of the Used Market
The price fluctuates based on two things: storage and "the vibe" of the seller.
A base 16GB model is almost worthless because, after the operating system takes its bite, you can barely fit three modern apps and a handful of photos on it. You’ll see these listed for roughly $30. If you find a 64GB or 128GB version, the price might jump to $50 or $75.
Why the jump? Because at 128GB, the phone actually becomes a decent dedicated music player. People buy them to use as high-capacity iPods since it was one of the last iPhones to actually keep the headphone jack. No dongles. Just plug and play.
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Why the iPhone 6 is "Kinda" Obsolete
Before you drop forty bucks, you need to know what you’re getting into. This phone is stuck on iOS 12.5.7. Apple stopped giving it major software updates in 2019 and cut off security patches in early 2023.
What does that mean for you?
- App Support: This is the big one. Most modern apps—TikTok, YouTube, Banking apps—require at least iOS 15 or 16. You’ll open the App Store, try to download something, and get a "Not Compatible" error.
- The Web: Browsing the modern web on Safari with an iPhone 6 is... painful. It’s slow. Some sites won't even load correctly because the browser is too old to understand modern web code.
- Battery Life: These phones are old. Unless the seller replaced the battery recently, it’s likely "chemically aged." You might get two hours of use before it hits 1% and dies.
If you’re determined to fix one up, a battery replacement from a third-party shop will cost you about $30 to $50. Apple technically still services them in some regions for around $69, but spending more on a battery than the phone is worth is a tough pill to swallow.
Collector Value vs. Utility Value
There is a tiny niche where the iPhone 6 costs more than it should. Collectors look for "New in Box" or "Sealed" units. If you have an original, shrink-wrapped iPhone 6, it’s not a phone anymore—it’s a historical artifact. Those can go for hundreds of dollars to the right person, though they aren't quite as valuable as the original 2007 iPhone.
For everyone else, it’s just a "burner" or a "radio."
Current Price Breakdown (Estimated 2026)
- Broken/Parts Only: $10 - $15
- Good Condition (16GB): $30 - $40
- Excellent Condition (128GB): $70 - $85
- Refurbished (Retailer with Warranty): $90+ (Avoid this, just buy a newer model!)
Is it even worth buying?
Probably not. If you are looking for a budget iPhone, you should look at the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) or the iPhone 11. Those models still support many modern apps and are significantly faster. You can often find an SE 2 for under $100, and the leap in quality is massive.
However, if you just need a device to play MP3s, use as a basic calculator, or let a toddler watch downloaded videos in the back of a car, the iPhone 6 is a cheap way to get a screen in their hands.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the storage: If you're buying, don't settle for 16GB. It's a headache you don't need.
- Verify the iCloud Lock: Never buy a used iPhone 6 unless the seller confirms "Find My iPhone" is turned off. If it's locked, it's a paperweight.
- Test the Home Button: The iPhone 6 uses a physical clicking button. These fail often. Make sure it works, or you’ll be stuck using "Assistive Touch" on the screen forever.
- Look for the 6s instead: For literally $10 more, the iPhone 6s is twice as fast and supports much newer software. It's a way better deal.