Released in September 2015, the iPhone 6S was a major upgrade to the iPhone 6, introducing several new features and hardware improvements. It maintained the same design but came with innovations such as 3D Touch, an upgraded camera, and a more powerful processor.
Specifications
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD Display, 750 x 1334 pixels (326 ppi)
- Dimensions: 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches)
- Weight: 143 grams (5.04 ounces)
- Storage Options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Dual-core Apple A9, 1.84 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- Operating System: iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 15.7)
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera with True Tone flash, 4K video recording, 5 MP front camera
- Battery: 1715 mAh, non-removable, up to 14 hours talk time on 3G, 240 hours standby
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), 3D Touch
Design
The iPhone 6S retained the sleek aluminum body of the iPhone 6 but introduced 7000 series aluminum, which made it more durable and resistant to bending. It came in four colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. While its dimensions were nearly identical to the iPhone 6, the slight increase in weight was due to stronger materials and the addition of new components.
3D Touch
One of the standout features of the iPhone 6S was 3D Touch, which introduced a new way of interacting with the device. By sensing the amount of pressure applied to the screen, 3D Touch allowed users to access quick actions, previews (Peek and Pop), and new gestures, adding a new layer of functionality to iOS.
A9 Chip and M9 Co-Processor
The iPhone 6S was powered by the Apple A9 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor clocked at 1.84 GHz, paired with 2 GB of RAM. This upgrade made the iPhone 6S up to 70% faster in CPU tasks and 90% faster in GPU tasks compared to the A8 chip in the iPhone 6. The M9 motion co-processor was integrated into the A9 chip, enabling always-on motion tracking and support for the “Hey Siri” voice activation feature.
Camera Improvements
The iPhone 6S introduced a 12 MP iSight camera, an upgrade from the 8 MP camera in the iPhone 6. This improvement allowed for higher-resolution photos and introduced 4K video recording at 30 fps. The True Tone flash provided balanced lighting in low-light conditions, and the addition of Focus Pixels helped improve autofocus accuracy and speed.
On the front, the iPhone 6S featured a 5 MP FaceTime camera, a significant upgrade from previous models. It also introduced Retina Flash, which used the display as a makeshift flash for brighter selfies.
Battery Life
The iPhone 6S housed a 1715 mAh battery, which provided:
- Up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G
- Up to 10 days of standby time
- 11 hours of video playback
- 50 hours of audio playback
Although the battery capacity was slightly smaller than the iPhone 6, software and hardware optimizations allowed for comparable battery performance.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone 6S shipped with iOS 9, which introduced new features such as:
- Low Power Mode: Extending battery life by reducing background activity.
- Split View: Allowing iPads to run two apps side by side (applicable to larger-screen iOS devices).
- Proactive Assistant: Siri’s contextual recommendations based on usage patterns.
The iPhone 6S was upgradable to iOS 15.7, extending its relevance for several years with new features and security updates.
Connectivity
The iPhone 6S supported 4G LTE Advanced, offering faster mobile data speeds, and introduced Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, which provided better wireless connectivity. It retained Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC for Apple Pay transactions.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone 6S was widely praised for its improved performance, camera upgrades, and the introduction of 3D Touch. The A9 chip and increased RAM made it one of the fastest smartphones of its time, and its camera enhancements attracted users looking for a capable mobile photography device. Despite retaining the iPhone 6 design, the internal improvements made the iPhone 6S a highly popular choice among consumers.
Conclusion
The iPhone 6S was a significant upgrade in Apple’s lineup, introducing new features like 3D Touch, an improved 12 MP camera, and the powerful A9 chip. While its design remained similar to the iPhone 6, the internal improvements and new capabilities made it a compelling choice for users looking to upgrade. Its lasting impact is evident in the continued support it received with iOS updates, making it a milestone in Apple’s smartphone history.