iPhone 6S Plus - 2015, The iPhone 6S Plus, launched in September 2015, marked a significant milestone in Apple’s smartphone evolution. Known for its larger display, innovative features, and robust performance, it was a device that set the stage for many modern smartphone capabilities. This blog post dives into the standout features, impact, and legacy of the iPhone 6S Plus, offering a nostalgic look for tech enthusiasts eager to revisit this iconic device.
A Bigger, Bolder Design
The phone was crafted from 7000 Series aluminum, a material borrowed from the aerospace industry, making it both durable and lightweight. Available in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and the new Rose Gold, the iPhone 6S Plus combined style with substance, appealing to users who valued aesthetics as much as functionality.
3D Touch: A New Way to Interact
One of the most revolutionary features of the iPhone 6S Plus was 3D Touch. This pressure-sensitive technology allowed users to interact with their device in new ways, enabling "peek and pop" gestures to preview content or access shortcuts. For example, pressing lightly on an email could reveal a preview, while pressing harder would open it fully. This feature added a layer of intuitiveness to the user experience, setting a precedent for haptic feedback in future devices.
Performance Powerhouse: The A9 Chip
Under the hood, the iPhone 6S Plus was powered by the A9 chip, a 64-bit processor that delivered up to 70% faster CPU performance and 90% faster GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This made the device exceptionally responsive, whether running demanding apps, editing 4K videos, or playing graphics-intensive games. The inclusion of 2GB of RAM ensured smooth multitasking, a significant upgrade for iOS users at the time.
Camera Innovations
The iPhone 6S Plus boasted a 12-megapixel rear camera, a substantial improvement over the 8-megapixel sensor of previous models. This allowed for sharper images, better low-light performance, and the ability to record 4K video—a first for iPhones. The introduction of Live Photos was another highlight, capturing a few seconds of motion and sound with each photo, adding a dynamic element to still images.
The front-facing 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, paired with a Retina Flash (which used the screen as a flash), made selfies brighter and more detailed. These camera upgrades solidified the iPhone 6S Plus as a top choice for photography enthusiasts.
iOS 9 and Ecosystem Integration
Running iOS 9 out of the box, the iPhone 6S Plus offered a seamless software experience. Features like improved Siri, enhanced Notes app functionality, and better battery optimization made the device user-friendly and efficient. Its integration with the Apple ecosystem—think Apple Watch, iCloud, and Continuity features—allowed for a cohesive experience across devices, a hallmark of Apple’s design philosophy.
Legacy and Impact
The iPhone 6S Plus wasn’t just a phone; it was a cultural phenomenon. It solidified the “Plus” line as a premium option for users who wanted a larger screen and enhanced features. Its introduction of 3D Touch and 4K video recording pushed the boundaries of what smartphones could do, influencing competitors and shaping future iPhone designs. Even today, the iPhone 6S Plus is remembered fondly by tech enthusiasts for its balance of innovation and reliability.
For many, it was the phone that bridged the gap between the early iPhone era and the modern smartphone age. Its durability and long-term software support (it received iOS updates until 2022) made it a favorite for users who valued longevity.
Why It Still Matters in 2025
Looking back in 2025, the iPhone 6S Plus serves as a reminder of how far smartphone technology has come. It introduced features that have become standard in modern devices, like high-resolution displays, advanced haptics, and powerful cameras. For collectors, retro tech fans, or those curious about Apple’s history, the iPhone 6S Plus remains a fascinating piece of tech nostalgia.
Whether you owned one or are simply curious about its place in history, the iPhone 6S Plus is a testament to Apple’s ability to innovate while staying true to its user-centric philosophy.
FAQs
A: The iPhone 6S Plus featured a faster A9 chip, 3D Touch, a 12-megapixel camera with 4K video recording, and Live Photos, all of which were significant upgrades over the iPhone 6 Plus.