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iPhone XS: Is it still worth it in 2026?
The YouTuber tests whether a used iPhone XS is still usable in 2026 by trying out apps and features on iOS 15 and comparing alternatives for buying a used iPhone.
1. 📱 Introduction: iPhone XS Challenge in 2026
- ✅ The YouTuber acquired an unlocked iPhone XS with 256 GB for only 85 dollars.
- ✅ The iPhone XS originally cost 1,100 dollars and can run up to iOS 18, which means that many apps are still supported.
- ✅ The goal of the video is to find out if the iPhone XS is still usable in 2026.
00:00 - 00:24
1. 📱 Introduction: iPhone XS Challenge in 2026
- ✅ The YouTuber acquired an unlocked iPhone XS with 256 GB for only 85 dollars.
- ✅ The iPhone XS originally cost 1,100 dollars and can run up to iOS 18, which means that many apps are still supported.
- ✅ The goal of the video is to find out if the iPhone XS is still usable in 2026.
00:25 - 00:50
2. 📦 Condition and Features of the Acquired iPhone XS
- ✅ The iPhone XS was found on eBay and the price was reduced from 99 dollars to 85 dollars.
- ✅ The device was in like-new condition with only a few scratches.
- ✅ The battery still had 92% capacity and was the original battery.
- ✅ The iPhone XS was still running iOS 15, which makes the app compatibility test more interesting.
00:51 - 01:29
3. ⚙️ Face ID and 3D Touch Function of the iPhone XS
- ✅ Face ID worked perfectly, but was a bit slower than newer versions.
- ✅ The iPhone XS was the last iPhone with 3D Touch technology, which allowed you to control the pressure on the display.
- ⚠️ 3D Touch was not used enough by most users, which led to the removal of the function.
01:30 - 02:10
4. 📱 iOS 15 Interface and Minimalist Setup
- ✅ iMessage worked and the layout of iOS 15 was significantly different from newer versions.
- ✅ Apple tried to hide the notch with black backgrounds, in contrast to the later introduction of the Dynamic Island.
- ✅ The setup of the iPhone was kept minimalist.
02:11 - 03:27
5. 🚀 Akiflow Advertisement: Productivity Tool for Task Management
- ✅ Akiflow is a productivity tool that synchronizes tasks from different apps and manages them in a central calendar.
- ✅ The integration with apps like Gmail and Todoist enables automatic synchronization of tasks.
- ✅ The time-blocking feature helps to schedule tasks in the calendar and stick to the schedule.
- ✅ Akiflow has an AI co-pilot that automatically organizes and color-codes tasks.
- ✅ A 7-day free trial is offered.
03:28 - 04:10
6. ✅ App Compatibility on iOS 15: Social Media Apps
- ✅ YouTube works perfectly on iOS 15, with the latest supported version being installed.
- ✅ Most features, including Shorts and Picture-in-Picture, are still available.
- ✅ The apps in the social media folder work without any problems on iOS 15.
- ✅ App compatibility is expected to remain good on iOS 18.
04:11 - 04:52
7. ⚠️ Workaround for Incompatible Apps and Security Concerns
- ✅ For apps that don't work, the last supported version can be downloaded from the App Store's purchase history.
- ⚠️ Using outdated software carries the risk of data being compromised.
- ⚠️ It is recommended to be careful when using social media and banking apps on outdated software.
04:53 - 05:43
8. 💬 WhatsApp and Meta App Support on iOS 15
- ✅ WhatsApp works on iOS 15 and can be connected as a companion device.
- ✅ Apps from Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) tend to have longer support on older iOS versions.
- ✅ Meta supports older iPhones because many people around the world still use these devices.
05:44 - 06:13
9. 🎮 Tiny Wings and Display Quality of the iPhone XS
- ✅ Tiny Wings, a popular mobile game, looks good on the iPhone XS.
- ✅ The Super Retina HD OLED display with 625 nits maximum brightness is sufficient for indoor use.
06:14 - 06:41
10. 🎵 Spotify Compatibility and Future Support
- ✅ Spotify works on iOS 15, but support may be limited in the future.
- ✅ Spotify is expected to work on an iPhone XS with iOS 18 for a few more years.
06:42 - 07:21
11. 📶 Cellular Connectivity: Dual SIM and LTE
- ✅ The iPhone XS is the first iPhone with Dual-SIM function (physical SIM and eSIM).
- ⚠️ There is no 5G support, so you should adjust your mobile plan if necessary.
- ✅ LTE works, and the Dual-SIM function is useful for traveling to countries with limited eSIM support.
07:22 - 07:57
12. ⚙️ A12 Bionic Chip and Features of the iPhone XS
- ✅ The iPhone XS has an A12 Bionic Chip and 4 GB of RAM.
- ✅ The iPhone XS Max offers a larger battery and better battery life.
- ✅ The iPhone XS was the last S-model from Apple, which makes it a special device.
07:58 - 08:26
13. ✨ Design and Aesthetics of the iPhone XS in 2026
- ✅ The design of the iPhone XS is very similar to that of the iPhone X, with small differences such as the antenna and microphone holes.
- ✅ The iPhone XS is considered a beautiful device and a 10-year anniversary design from Apple.
08:27 - 08:42
14. 📸 Camera Quality of the iPhone XS in 2026
- ✅ The iPhone XS has a dual 12-megapixel camera with 2x optical zoom.
- ✅ The camera quality is not bad for 2026 standards, especially for the 85 dollar price paid.
08:43 - 09:36
15. 🤔 Buying Advice: iPhone XS vs. Alternatives
- ✅ When buying a used iPhone, you should weigh between the iPhone 11 Pro, the iPhone SE 3rd generation, and the iPhone XS Max.
- ✅ All of these devices have the same amount of RAM and run either iOS 26 or iOS 18.
- ✅ The decision depends on the desired storage capacity and battery life.
- ✅ The iPhone 11 Pro is a good option if you prefer the latest iOS version.
- ✅ The iPhone XS Max with 512 GB of storage is a good option if you need maximum storage space.
09:37 - 10:37
16. 💰 Tips for Buying on eBay and Future Updates
- ✅ eBay is recommended for buying used iPhones.
- ✅ It is recommended to look for newly listed offers and use the "Buy It Now" option or make offers.
- ✅ The iPhone XS will no longer receive major updates, but will continue to receive security updates.
- ✅ Apple supports iPhones for a long time with security updates, as the example of the iPhone 6S shows.
10:38 - 11:00
17. 👋 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
- ✅ The YouTuber had fun creating the video and is happy to try out the iPhone XS.
- ✅ Questions about the iPhone XS can be asked in the comments.