No, Apple doesn’t make the iPhone 8 anymore; production ended in 2020 and only used or refurbished stock remains.
Shopping for a compact iPhone with a Home button often brings this model back into the conversation. The short answer above clears the status, but there’s more you’ll want to know before you pick one up or recommend it to someone else. Below, you’ll find a simple timeline, current software and repair realities, smart buying scenarios, and better alternatives that keep the same handy size without the same trade-offs.
Production Timeline And Status At A Glance
Apple sold the 4.7-inch Touch ID phone from 2017 until spring 2020, when the company introduced a new budget model based on the same body style. That launch is the moment the earlier handset left Apple’s store shelves. Apple’s product-support policy also sets expectations for repairs on older devices.
| Model | Years Sold By Apple | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8 | 2017–Apr 2020 | Discontinued; no new units produced (replaced by 2020 SE) Apple Newsroom |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | Apr 2020–Mar 2022 | Discontinued; succeeded by SE (3rd gen) |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Mar 2022–present | Still sold (current compact Touch ID option) |
Apple’s article on service for out-of-warranty products states that parts are provided for a minimum of five years from the last date the model was distributed for sale, with the “vintage” label kicking in after that window. That policy shapes what you can expect if you own one today. See the section titled “About vintage products” in Apple’s page on service after last sale.
Are New Units Of The iPhone 8 Still Produced Today?
No. Apple stepped off the production line in April 2020 when it launched the second-generation SE, a newer device built on the same body style but with a faster chip and a fresh warranty. Since then, retail listings you see are either refurbished, carrier-recertified, or third-party overstock. That’s true in both Apple’s home market and abroad.
Software Support: Where It Stands Now
This handset shipped with iOS 11 and received updates through iOS 16. Devices with the A11 chip inside didn’t move up to iOS 17, which means system-level features introduced after that version won’t arrive on this phone. Apps that raise their minimum OS beyond iOS 16 will keep narrowing the pool of new features you can use. Security patches also taper with time once a major version ages out.
That doesn’t make the phone useless. Core calling, messaging, and many mainstream apps still run on iOS 16 today, but you’ll start to see prompts about required versions in some banking, streaming, or productivity apps. If you rely on the newest accessibility tools, sideload-free password managers that chase the latest APIs, or features like advanced AirDrop improvements introduced after iOS 16, you’ll run into walls on this device.
Repairability And Parts Access
Repair access follows policy. Apple and authorized providers supply service and parts for at least five years after a product leaves the sales channel. After that, availability depends on stock. That’s the “vintage” phase: repairs may be offered if parts exist, but you shouldn’t plan on guaranteed availability everywhere. Battery swaps, screens, and cameras are the common fixes; logic boards and Touch ID home buttons are harder to source late in the lifecycle. When pricing a used unit, factor in the cost of an immediate battery replacement if capacity has dipped below 85% in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Who Should Still Buy One?
There are narrow cases where picking up a clean, inexpensive unit can make sense. Think of a backup phone, a single-app kiosk, a dedicated music player that also supports Apple Pay in markets where iOS 16 is fine, or a handset for a child who needs calls and messages first. Even then, weigh the price against newer budget options.
Good Use Cases
- Backup device: Keep a spare for travel or emergency calls. It’s small, charges with Lightning, and still handles iMessage and FaceTime on iOS 16.
- Light-duty phone for kids: With Screen Time enabled and a rugged case, it can serve basic needs without the cost of a flagship.
- Single-purpose setup: POS terminals, bar-code scanners, or smart-home wall controllers that target iOS 16 work fine.
Who Should Skip
- Security-sensitive users: If you handle work email, digital keys, or two-factor authentication daily, aim for a model that receives the newest iOS version.
- Mobile photographers: Night mode and better HDR live on newer devices. Low-light shots and video stabilization lag behind recent models.
- Heavy app users: Newer productivity or creative apps might set iOS 17 or later as a baseline, closing the door on installs or updates.
How It Compares To Apple’s Current Line
Apple’s lineup now spans Pro, mainstream, and compact Touch ID options. The closest spiritual successor remains the SE with the Home button. If you want a similar pocket feel with a longer runway, the SE (3rd gen) is the direct pick; if you want modern cameras and Face ID, step up to the current mainline models. You can always check the live comparison grid on Apple’s site to confirm which features each model carries.
Everyday Experience Differences You’ll Notice
- Speed: Newer chips open apps quicker, keep more apps suspended, and deliver smoother camera and Maps performance.
- Camera: Portrait lighting, improved HDR, night shooting, and better video stabilization show clear gains on recent phones.
- Battery life: Larger batteries and more efficient chips give you longer screen-on time.
- Connectivity: 5G support, faster Wi-Fi, and newer Bluetooth versions improve streaming and accessories.
- Display: Edge-to-edge screens fit more content without making the phone feel unwieldy.
Pricing Reality In 2025
You’ll see tempting prices on marketplaces. Just check three things before you press Buy: battery health, storage, and the device’s activation lock. Ask for a screenshot of Battery Health, confirm it’s not carrier-locked if you need dual-carrier flexibility, and verify IMEI status with your carrier. A cheap phone can get expensive if it needs a battery and screen right away.
Software Lifespan: What “Stuck On iOS 16” Means
Being capped at iOS 16 means you won’t get system features released after 2023, and app developers may raise their minimum version over time. Media apps often keep older baselines longer than banking or work apps, but the trend goes one way. If your must-have app bumps the floor, you’ll be left on an old build without new security fixes from that developer. Plan for that when gifting or handing down the phone.
Security And Privacy Considerations
Modern iOS releases add protections that never back-port. Newer devices benefit from fresh platform defenses, password-manager improvements, and ongoing patches. If you store IDs in Wallet, use passkeys, run Home Keys, or keep medical data on-device, consider that gap. For anyone who keeps sensitive data on their phone, a current-generation SE or mainline iPhone is the safer pick.
Accessories And Compatibility
This handset uses Lightning for charging and supports Qi wireless charging pads. Many cases for this body style still exist, including rugged and kid-friendly options. If you pair an Apple Watch, check the watch’s requirement for iOS on the phone. Newer watches often ask for a newer iOS build, which can be a roadblock if you try to mix a new watch with this older phone.
Buying Checklist For Used Units
Run through this list when you’re evaluating a listing in person or by message:
Core Checks
- Activation Lock: The seller should show Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After erase, the Hello screen should appear with no Apple ID request.
- Battery Health: In Settings > Battery > Battery Health, look for a maximum capacity of 85% or better. Lower numbers may require a near-term battery swap.
- Touch ID: Add and remove a fingerprint to confirm the sensor works. If Touch ID fails, budget for a screen module while knowing the original Home button is paired to the logic board.
- Display: Check for non-genuine part warnings in Settings. True Tone missing after a screen swap can hint at an unpaired replacement.
- Cameras And Speakers: Test focus, video, microphone, and earpiece with a quick call and a short 4K video clip.
Trade-Offs To Accept If You Keep One
If you already own this model and plan to keep it a bit longer, you’ll accept three trade-offs: no new iOS features, a shrinking set of app updates, and growing parts scarcity. You can stretch its life by replacing a tired battery, cleaning storage, and trimming background app refresh. Still, weigh those upgrades against the cost of a newer SE that brings modern silicon and current updates.
Upgrade Paths And Who They Suit
| Option | Best For | What You Gain |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Home-button fans; budget shoppers | Newer chip, longer iOS runway, better battery health out of the box |
| Current mainline iPhone | Camera and display upgrades | Night mode, stronger video, 5G, longer support window |
| Refurbished recent model | Deal hunters | Lower price with modern features; check battery and warranty terms |
Method: How This Guidance Was Built
This guide draws on Apple’s April 2020 press release that introduced the second-generation SE, which coincided with the end of sales for the older 4.7-inch model, and Apple’s current policy page that explains service availability and the “vintage” window after sales stop. You can read Apple’s second-generation iPhone SE announcement and Apple’s page on service after last sale for the exact wording and dates.
Quick Answers To Common Shopper Questions
Is There Any New Stock From Apple?
No. Units you see today are reseller inventory, refurbished devices, or used phones. Apple’s store moved on in 2020.
Will My Apps Still Work?
Most mainstream apps with iOS 16 support still run. Some banking, secure messaging, or cutting-edge creative apps may require a newer iOS version and won’t install.
What About Repair Costs?
Batteries and screens are common and priced by region and provider. Past the five-year mark from last sale, part availability varies by location. Ask for an estimate before you buy a used unit that needs work.
Final Take
If you want a compact iPhone with a Home button today, the SE (3rd gen) gives you the same reach-able size with modern silicon and a longer update runway. If you’re set on saving money, a clean used unit can still serve as a backup or a starter handset, as long as you accept iOS 16 as the ceiling and plan for a battery swap. For everyone else, stepping into the current lineup delivers better cameras, faster chips, and years of software headroom—value you’ll notice every day.