Ios 12 On Iphone 6s Was The Update Worth It Or Did Ios 11 Run Smoother

When Apple released iOS 12 in September 2018, it promised something rare for a major OS update: improved performance on older devices. For iPhone 6s users—who had been running iOS 11 since 2017—the question wasn’t just about new features, but whether the upgrade would actually make their phones faster or slower. The iPhone 6s, launched in 2015, was already three years old at the time, and many users reported mixed experiences with iOS 11’s occasional lag and instability. So, was upgrading to iOS 12 truly beneficial, or did iOS 11 offer a smoother ride?

This article dives into real-world performance data, user feedback, technical benchmarks, and long-term usability to answer that question definitively.

Performance Improvements: iOS 12 vs. iOS 11 on iPhone 6s

Apple marketed iOS 12 as “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system — now even better on your favorite devices.” Unlike previous updates that often prioritized new features over optimization, iOS 12 focused heavily on responsiveness. According to Apple’s internal testing, common actions like launching apps, switching between cameras, and opening the keyboard were up to twice as fast on older devices compared to iOS 11.

Benchmarks from third-party sources support this claim. On the iPhone 6s, Geekbench scores showed minimal CPU gains, but real-world usage told a different story. Users consistently reported:

• Faster app launch times
• Smoother animations in Springboard and Control Center
• Reduced instances of app crashes and freezes
• Improved Face ID (on iPhone X) and Touch ID response, though the 6s only has Touch ID

One notable test by tech reviewer John Gruber showed that after updating his iPhone 6s from iOS 11.4.1 to iOS 12.0, cold boot time dropped from 43 seconds to 31 seconds—a nearly 30% improvement.

Tip: If you're still on iOS 11 and considering the jump, back up your device first via iCloud or iTunes to avoid data loss during the update.

Stability and Bug Fixes

iOS 11 had a rocky start. From its initial release in 2017, users reported issues ranging from spontaneous reboots and battery drain to problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. While Apple issued several patches—culminating in iOS 11.4.1, which stabilized much of the system—it never fully shook its reputation for being glitchy on older hardware.

In contrast, iOS 12 was built with reliability as a core goal. Apple acknowledged the criticism around iOS 11 and shifted engineering focus toward under-the-hood improvements. Crash reports from developers indicated that iOS 12 reduced app crashes by up to 50% on devices like the iPhone 6s.

“iOS 12 wasn’t flashy, but it was functional. It felt like Apple finally listened to users who weren’t buying a new iPhone every year.” — Marco Arment, iOS Developer and Founder of Overcast

For everyday users, this meant fewer unexpected restarts, more consistent background app refresh behavior, and noticeably better multitasking performance when switching between Safari, Messages, and Maps.

Feature Comparison: What You Gain (and Lose)

While performance is critical, users also care about functionality. Here's how iOS 12 stacks up against iOS 11 in terms of features relevant to the iPhone 6s:

Feature	iOS 11	iOS 12
Screen Time & Usage Monitoring	❌ Not available	✅ Available
Siri Shortcuts	❌ No automation support	✅ Custom voice commands and automations
Group FaceTime	❌ Not supported	✅ Introduced (but not on 6s due to hardware limits)
ARKit 2.0	❌ ARKit 1.0 only	✅ Enhanced AR capabilities
Memoji/Animoji	❌ Only Animoji on iPhone X	❌ Still not supported on 6s (requires TrueDepth camera)
Photos Search Enhancements	Basic people and date sorting	✅ Improved categorization (Pets, Landmarks, etc.)

Although some headline features like Memoji weren't accessible on the 6s, iOS 12 brought meaningful tools like Screen Time and Siri Shortcuts—features that enhanced productivity without taxing the A9 chip excessively.

Real-World User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a freelance writer using her iPhone 6s daily for email, web research, and note-taking. She stayed on iOS 11.4.1 through early 2019, citing concerns about slowing down her aging phone. By March 2019, she decided to upgrade to iOS 12.4 after reading consistent praise online.

Her experience mirrored broader trends:

• Before: Apps like Chrome and Slack took 3–4 seconds to open; the keyboard sometimes froze when typing quickly.
• After: App launches averaged 1.5–2 seconds; keyboard responsiveness improved significantly.
• She particularly appreciated Screen Time, which helped her reduce social media usage by 40% over two months.

Sarah noted one downside: slightly increased battery drain during the first week, likely due to indexing and background processes. But within ten days, battery life normalized and even improved slightly thanks to optimized background activity.

She concluded: “It feels like my phone got a second wind. I don’t regret skipping iOS 11.3, but I definitely recommend iOS 12 for anyone still holding onto a 6s.”

Should You Stay on iOS 11 or Upgrade to iOS 12?

If you’re still running iOS 11 on your iPhone 6s in 2024, there are serious security and compatibility implications. Apple stopped signing iOS 11 updates shortly after iOS 12’s release, meaning:

• No security patches for vulnerabilities discovered post-2018
• Many modern apps no longer support iOS 11 (e.g., newer versions of WhatsApp, Google apps, banking apps)
• Limited access to iCloud features and two-factor authentication enhancements

Even if iOS 11 felt stable at one point, continuing to use it today exposes your device to significant risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Safely

1. Back up your iPhone: Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or connect to a computer and use iTunes/Finder.
2. Check available storage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Ensure at least 2GB free for the update.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi and power: Plug your iPhone into a charger and ensure strong Wi-Fi signal.
4. Download iOS 12: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install.
5. Wait and verify: The installation may take 20–40 minutes. After rebooting, check Settings > General > About to confirm version 12.x.

Tip: If your iPhone 6s is on iOS 11.4.1 or earlier, you can still update to iOS 12 directly OTA (over-the-air). Later iOS versions require progressively newer base firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did iOS 12 make the iPhone 6s faster than iOS 11?

Yes, in real-world usage. While raw processor speed didn’t change, iOS 12 optimized system-level processes, resulting in faster app launches, smoother transitions, and reduced lag during multitasking. Independent tests and user reports confirm noticeable improvements.

Can the iPhone 6s run iOS 13 or later?

The iPhone 6s can run iOS 13, iOS 14, and even iOS 15, but performance degrades significantly beyond iOS 12. Many users report sluggishness, overheating, and poor battery life on iOS 14+. For optimal balance of features and performance, iOS 12 remains the sweet spot for the 6s.

Is it safe to stay on iOS 11 in 2024?

No. iOS 11 hasn’t received security updates since late 2018. Running it today leaves your device vulnerable to known exploits, phishing attacks, and malware. Additionally, most modern apps either won’t install or will fail to function properly.

Final Verdict: Yes, iOS 12 Was Worth It

Despite valid concerns about aging hardware, iOS 12 delivered tangible benefits for the iPhone 6s. It wasn’t just another incremental update—it was a targeted performance overhaul that extended the usable lifespan of millions of devices. Compared to iOS 11, it offered better stability, faster interactions, essential new features, and ongoing security support.

For users clinging to iOS 11 out of fear of slowdowns, the reality proved the opposite: iOS 12 made the iPhone 6s feel revitalized. While newer iOS versions eventually pushed the A9 chip too far, iOS 12 struck the perfect balance between innovation and efficiency.

🚀 Still using an iPhone 6s? Update to iOS 12 if you haven’t already—and enjoy a faster, safer, smarter experience. Share your upgrade story or tips in the comments below!