Yes, the iPhone 8 did last until 2023 and beyond in terms of physical use, but it stopped receiving major iOS updates with iOS 17 in Fall 2023, though it received security patches for a while longer, with its last major support ending around late 2024/early 2025 for critical security, making it outdated and less secure for heavy use by 2025 but still functional for calls/texts.
Apple announced that the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, as well as the iPhone X, would not support iOS 17 due to hardware limitations. However, the devices still received security updates until September 15, 2025.
As a disclaimer, I wouldn't recommend anyone using this phone as of 2025 as the money spent on it will not be worth (excluding phone collectors), however, if you have one lying around, I would encourage you to give it a try for a couple of days!
Introduction & Clarification. First and foremost, it's important to clarify that no iPhone will literally stop functioning in 2026. Even older models like the iPhone 6 can still operate and perform basic tasks such as making calls, sending texts, and browsing the internet.
It still received new iOS versions and updates. What exactly is throwaway about that when compared to the hundreds of variants Samsung and others produce with a 2 year lifespan and then no updates after? “Throwaway” may be hyperbole, but the average lifespan in terms of iOS versions for an iPhone is about 5-6 years.
The introduction of iOS 18 marks the official end of support for these models. This means that the iPhone 8 and older devices will not receive the latest features, security patches, or bug fixes available in iOS 18 and future updates.
Conclusion: Which iPhones will no longer be usable in 2025? In 2025, several generations of iPhones reach the end of their software support: iOS 19 Support Ends : 2018 iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won't be able to install iOS 19 when it's released in September 2025 They will remain frozen on iOS 18.
What is the Oldest iPhone That is Still Supported? As of 2024, the oldest iPhone models still receiving iOS updates are the iPhone XS and XS Max, which were released in 2018. While these older models can still run the latest iOS version, users might notice some trade-offs.
Conclusion — Time to Replace Your iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 had a great run since its 2017 release, but by 2025 it's no longer safe or practical to keep using. With no iOS or security updates, the iPhone 8 is vulnerable and outdated for modern apps and features.
One of the common questions is: Does the iPhone 8 support 5G? The short answer is no—the iPhone 8 does not support 5G.
The iPhone XR is meant to have longer battery life and has a much bigger screen that's great for watching tons of videos or playing games all day long, while the iPhone 8 is meant to be a compact companion that perhaps isn't great for heavy users, but perfect for the average person that just needs a phone for ...
Apple has updated its vintage and obsolete product lists. The company has now added the iPhone 7 Plus, select iPhone 8 models, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 2 to the list. These devices will no longer receive official repair or hardware support. Apple has again refreshed its list of vintage and obsolete products.
Use It as a Security Camera
An old iPhone can easily be repurposed as a home security camera or baby monitor. Apps like Alfred Camera and Manything allow you to monitor your home remotely.
Specifically, if an iPhone can no longer run the latest version of Apple's iOS operating system, it will miss out on a lot of critical security updates. Vulnerabilities that remain unpatched can put you at risk.
Yes, an iPhone 18 lineup is expected, but Apple might split the release: high-end models (iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone) are rumored for Fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e (low-cost) might be delayed until Spring 2027, following a new staggered launch strategy for different models.
Apple Delays iPhone 18 Release to 2027. Increasing tech reports indicate that Apple is set to delay the launch of the standard iPhone 18, now expected to hit the market in spring 2027 instead of the usual fall 2026, marking the first such delay in over a decade.
iPhone 6S is the oldest iPhone supported with security updates because it runs iOS 15, which was last updated in August 2025. But Apple is unlikely to support iOS 15 for much longer and in terms of hardware support, the iPhone 6S is already considered obsolete by Apple.
Without future iOS updates and security patches, the iPhone 8 is now outdated and less secure. Instead, there are better alternatives in the same price range that still receive the latest iOS updates and offer longer usability.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
That means any iPhone 8 models and older will not be able to get iOS 18. However, not all iPhones that can get iOS 18 will have the chance to enjoy the latest features. Apple's highly anticipated Apple Intelligence will only be available on iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The biggest culprit behind fast battery drain is your iPhone's display. Screen brightness is one of the most significant factors affecting battery life, with higher brightness settings consuming exponentially more power.
While 90% battery health is generally acceptable, it does mean the battery has degraded somewhat. Battery health may continue to decline with heavy use. An iPhone with 90% battery health today could drop below 80% within 2 years, depending on usage patterns. However, if you're a regular user, you're good to go!
When your iPhone's battery health drops below 80%, you may notice a decrease in overall performance. At 75%, the battery is at about 75% of its original capacity, meaning it can hold less charge and may drain more quickly than when it was new.