No, Apple no longer makes the iPhone 8—production ended in 2020 when the second-gen iPhone SE took its place.
The 4.7-inch handset from 2017 had a long run, but Apple stopped building it years ago. What remains are used and refurbished units, plus lingering retail stock in a few corners of the market. If you’re weighing a cheap buy or trying to keep an old device alive, here’s a straight read on what’s still supported, what’s not, and which models are smarter picks today.
Quick Timeline: From Launch To Wind-Down
Here’s the high-level arc for context before we dig into service, software, and buying choices.
| Year/Month | What Happened | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2017 | Model debuted with A11 chip and Touch ID. | Classic design many users still like. |
| Apr 2020 | Second-gen iPhone SE announced. | Apple retired the 2017 model as the SE took over. |
| 2023–2025 | Units move into “vintage” territory in Apple’s terms. | Repairs are parts-dependent; no new sales from Apple. |
Is The Iphone 8 Still Being Made Today? Facts And Dates
No, production stopped the day Apple shifted buyers to the 2020 iPhone SE. That model reused the same size and button layout but swapped in a newer processor and camera pipeline. Apple’s newsroom post from April 15, 2020 marks the handoff and the end of the line for new builds of the 2017 phone.
Apple also classifies older hardware in two buckets: “vintage” after more than five years off Apple Store shelves, and “obsolete” after seven. That window explains why service can feel inconsistent: a shop may help while parts last, then say no once supplies dry up. Apple’s support page outlines those rules in plain terms.
What Ended Production In Practice
Apple likes to keep one lower-cost model in the lineup. In 2020 the company slotted in the second-gen SE at the same size, which let factories switch over without re-engineering the shell. That move simplified the range, kept Touch ID in the mix, and gave budget buyers a clean path without keeping two near-identical devices alive.
Current Software Status And Security
The 2017 phone tops out at iOS 16. That means no iOS 17 or later features, and security fixes arrive only through iOS 16 point releases. Many big apps still run, but the gap grows with time. Services that require newer frameworks may cap support, and some streaming or banking apps may set stricter minimums over time.
If you carry one daily, plan for fewer updates each year and growing app-compatibility friction. You can still get value from it, but a newer SE or a compact 13-series device will carry longer.
Buying One In 2025: What To Expect
You won’t find new units at Apple. What you’ll see are used or “new old stock” from third-party sellers. Prices look tempting, yet total cost of ownership can climb once you add a battery swap, storage limits, and the shorter software runway. When the goal is a daily phone, a later-gen SE or a lightly used 12/13-series often lands in a better sweet spot.
Where Units Still Pop Up
Carrier back rooms, liquidation outlets, smaller retailers, and peer-to-peer marketplaces still list them. If you go this route, favor sellers that offer a return window and a verifiable battery health report.
Checks Before You Pay
- Battery health: Plan on a replacement if maximum capacity is under 85%.
- Storage: 64 GB fills fast. If you shoot video, look higher.
- IMEI status: Confirm it’s not financed or carrier-locked.
- Parts grade: Ask whether the display and camera are genuine or third-party.
- Water seals: Past repairs can weaken them; treat splash claims with caution.
Service And Repair Reality
Apple-authorized shops may still accept repairs while parts last. That window typically stretches five to seven years after Apple stops selling a model. Once parts dry up, only independent repair pros or used-parts swaps remain. Pricing varies widely, so get a quote before committing. Apple’s support page on vintage and obsolete service explains those timelines and limits.
Smaller Size, Similar Feel: Better Picks Right Now
If you want the one-hand shape and a Home button, the third-gen iPhone SE (2022) is the simplest move. It keeps the same physical layout with a faster chip and longer support runway. If you want Face ID in a compact body, the 13 mini is a strong value on the used market, with a brighter screen and longer battery life.
| Model | Why Pick It | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2022) | Same size and Touch ID; speedy A15 chip. | Single rear camera; smaller battery. |
| iPhone 12 mini | Face ID, OLED screen, MagSafe. | Battery life trails larger models. |
| iPhone 13 mini | Better battery than 12 mini; strong cameras. | No longer sold new by Apple. |
Real-World Performance: What Owners Report
Day-to-day tasks still feel fine on a well-kept unit: calls, messages, light photos, podcasts, maps. Once you push heavy games or long 4K clips, the older chip shows its age and heat ramps up. Battery cycles matter more than anything; a fresh cell can make an old phone feel snappy again, while a worn one forces midday charges.
Data You Should Weigh Before Deciding
Ask what you need from the phone over the next two years. If it’s a backup or a kid’s first handset, a clean used unit might be OK. If you want three to four years of updates, start at the 2022 SE or a 13-series. Resale value also favors newer chips, so the total cost often nets out.
Costs You Might Face
- Battery service: Budget for one replacement in the first year of ownership.
- Storage stress: Cloud upgrades add a monthly bill if 64 GB isn’t enough.
- Accessories: Old Lightning cables are cheap, but MagSafe and newer cases won’t fit.
How We Verified The Status
Apple’s April 15, 2020 newsroom post announces the 2020 iPhone SE, the model that took over the 4.7-inch slot. Apple’s support pages also define “vintage” and “obsolete,” with repair availability tied to parts supply for five to seven years after Apple last sold a product. Those two references explain why you can’t buy a new unit from Apple and why service varies by location and parts stock.
For software, Apple lists compatible models for each iOS release. The 2017 model stopped at iOS 16, so you miss new features tied to iOS 17 and later. That cut-off influences app support and resale value.
Bottom Line On The Iphone 8 In 2025
New builds ended in 2020, and the model now sits in the late-support stage. If you love the size and Touch ID, a third-gen SE gives you the same feel with far more headroom. If you’re price-hunting, a tidy 13 mini or a standard 12 often delivers a longer, safer run for the money.
Links for deeper detail: Apple’s 2020 iPhone SE announcement and Apple’s service timeline for vintage/obsolete products.
Common Myths And Misreads
“It’s still new in box, so it’s new.” Box status doesn’t change age. Seals can sit in warehouses for years. Firmware will still be capped at iOS 16 once you activate it.
“Apple still sells it in some countries.” Apple cleared it from its lineup worldwide in 2020. Any listing today comes from third-party stock or refurbished programs, not from Apple Stores.
“Repairs mean Apple still backs it fully.” An authorized shop can help while spare parts exist. That’s not the same as being in the active lineup or receiving the latest iOS.
What You Miss By Staying On Ios 16
Later versions bring stronger privacy controls, new accessibility tools, and better car features. Many of those rely on newer chips and modern frameworks. Sticking with iOS 16 means fewer feature updates and a smaller pool of supported accessories over time.
Security patches still land for a while through iOS 16 point releases, but not forever. Once that train stops, browsers and apps start to fall out of step faster.
Setup Tips If You Still Buy One
Lock Down Security From Day One
- Turn on a six-digit passcode and Touch ID.
- Enable Find My and set up Activation Lock.
- Use automatic updates so you catch the last iOS 16 builds as they ship.
Stretch Battery Life
- Replace the battery if capacity is under 85%, then recalibrate.
- Keep charging in the 20–80% band during long days when possible.
- Use Low Power Mode when maps or hotspots drain faster than usual.
Pick Accessories That Still Fit
- Wired Lightning earbuds still work; newer MagSafe gear doesn’t attach.
- Look for Qi wireless pads that ship with a 20W USB-C brick for steady speeds.
- Case makers still sell legacy shells; match the camera cutout to avoid misfits.
Carrier And SIM Notes
The 2017 phone uses a nano-SIM slot and supports eSIM only through select carrier apps. If you plan to travel, check band support and roaming plans in advance. Newer eSIM-only flagships remove the tray, which makes line swaps easier but ends physical SIM juggling.
Resale Math: When The Deal Isn’t A Deal
If a used unit costs only a little less than a newer SE or a 13-series, the newer phone tends to win once you factor in longer software support, better cameras, and stronger batteries. Buyers also favor newer chips on the secondary market, which helps your resale later.
Who Should Still Consider It
It can still work for those who want a small backup phone, a basic call-and-text device for a relative, or a dedicated music and maps unit in the car. For anyone who relies on heavy apps, long days away from outlets, or the newest watch and feature set, a later model is the safer play.