Will the iPhone 8 Get iOS 17? What You Need to Know
As an iPhone 8 owner myself, I‘ve been curious whether my device will receive iOS 17 when it‘s released in 2024. After digging into Apple‘s update history and rumors around iOS 17, I don‘t believe the iPhone 8 will get it. Here‘s a detailed look at why iOS 16 is likely the end of the road, along with my advice for what iPhone 8 users concerned about planned obsolescence can do next.
The Short Answer
Based on Apple‘s typical 5 years of support for iPhones and reports suggesting iOS 17 will require an A12 chip or newer, the iPhone 8 will not get iOS 17 in 2024. Launched in 2017 with Apple‘s A11 chip, it will be 6 years old when iOS 17 debuts. For iPhone 8 owners, this means you‘ll need to decide whether to keep using it as is, upgrade to a newer iPhone, or switch brands entirely when support ends.
Tracking Apple‘s iPhone Support Lifecycle Trends
While Apple doesn‘t share hard rules around ending software support, we can spot trends from past iPhone models to predict the lifespan of current devices.
Looking at the last several iPhone generations, Apple has provided about 5 years of full iOS updates per device. For example:
- iPhone 6S (2015) – Supported through iOS 15 (2021)
- iPhone 7 (2016) – Supported through iOS 16 (2022)
Based on this pattern, the iPhone 8 series released in 2017 is likely on its last major iOS version standing at 5 years old now.
When iOS 17 arrives in 2024, the iPhone 8 will be over 6 years old, exceeding what we‘ve typically seen Apple support. Of course there‘s always a chance they could make an exception, but I wouldn‘t bank on it.
What Do iPhone Users Think of iOS 16 on the iPhone 8?
| OS Version | % Adoption on iPhone 8/8 Plus | User Feedback |
|-|-|-|
| iOS 11 | – | Original software for iPhone 8 release |
| iOS 12 | 84% | Noticeable performance boost |
| iOS 13 | 55% | Some bugs, not slow |
| iOS 14 | 47% | Runs smoothly |
| iOS 15 | 26% | Aging but decent performance |
| iOS 16 | 4% | Lags, stutters, battery drain |
You can see the latest iOS adoption rates at Mixpanel. Real-world user reviews also highlight the iPhone 8 is struggling more with intensive new features on each iOS release.
This suggests its A11 processor and other aging internals are having difficulty keeping up – which may influence Apple to cut it off.
Why Do iPhones Stop Getting Software Updates?
There are a few key reasons Apple ends software support for older iPhones:
- Limited hardware capabilities – New iOS versions require faster processors, more RAM, and advanced features like machine learning and augmented reality. Old iPhone components hit limits.
- Performance and stability – Running the latest iOS can result in crashes, sluggishness, stuttering, and battery drain on outdated iPhones. Apple optimizes for smooth experience on recent models.
- Security – No more iOS updates leaves old iPhones vulnerable to newly discovered exploits without security patches. This creates risks for users.
For example, iOS 16 introduced features like Live Text for video and Apple Pay Later which require Apple‘s Neural Engine and on-device machine learning capabilities.
The iPhone 8‘s A11 chip and hardware dated 2017 likely doesn‘t meet these new technical requirements. Eventually there‘s only so much performance you can squeeze from aging processors and RAM.
Will My iPhone 8 Stop Working Without Updates?
No, your iPhone 8 will continue to function even without new iOS versions. However, there are some downsides to expect:
- Missing out on new iOS features – No access to helpful new capabilities that come in future updates.
- Security risks may rise without bug fixes and patches.
- App compatibility issues can occur over time as apps require newer iOS versions.
- Overall system stability may decline without optimization and fixes.
To maximize its remaining lifespan, I recommend using your iPhone 8 on iOS 16 for as long as possible. Be sure to install all available iOS 16.x updates for any security patches and performance improvements.
Enabling automatic background updates can help too – this will instantly install new point releases when available to keep your current iOS version fresh.
Recommendations for Owners of Unsupported iPhones
If and when the iPhone 8 gets cut off from iOS 17, owners have three main paths forward:
- Keep using it as long as it meets your needs, acknowledging lack of updates.
- Upgrade to a newer used iPhone that will still get updates.
- Switch to a brand new iPhone for full features and longevity.
Here are some pros and cons of each approach:
1. Stick with your current iPhone 8
Pros:
- Avoid spending money on replacement.
- Can likely use for 1-2 more years at minimum.
Cons:
- Security risks may rise.
- App compatibility issues down the road.
- Missing new iOS capabilities.
2. Buy a used iPhone XS/XR or newer
Pros:
- Still get 3-5 years of software support.
- Much cheaper than brand new iPhone.
- Familiar iOS experience.
Cons:
- Purchase cost, even for used phone.
- Not the latest tech capabilities.
Recommended Models: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11
3. Upgrade to a new iPhone 14
Pros:
- Future proof with 5+ years of updates.
- Latest features and technology.
- Best performance and camera.
Cons:
- Much higher cost, $700+.
- Overkill if you don‘t need the extras.
For me personally as a tech enthusiast, I‘ll likely upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro this fall coming from an iPhone 8. The boosted camera, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, and future-proof chip make it worthwhile. But I‘d also be happy getting another 2 years out of my iPhone 8 if needed.
Should I Buy an iPhone 8 in 2024?
If you‘re considering an iPhone 8 in 2024 as a used purchase, here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Pros:
- Very affordable price around ~$150 used.
- Still runs iOS 16 smoothly today.
- Touch ID and classic home button.
- Quality camera and display for age.
Cons:
- Likely won‘t get iOS 17 or later updates.
- Aging hardware shows performance lags.
- Limited lifespan remaining (2 years max)
Overall, I think an iPhone 8 is still a decent value for basic use like kids or grandparents if found in good condition. But the short software lifespan left means a used iPhone XR may be a better buy for just ~$50-100 more while getting 3-4 more years of updates.
The Bottom Line
Based on Apple‘s history and rumors around iOS 17, iPhone 8 owners should prepare to be cut off from major iOS updates starting 2023 after 6 years of support. While it will keep working fine in the near term, performance and security may decline without new iOS versions down the road.
For me, the iPhone 14 Pro‘s upgrades like the 48MP camera and Dynamic Island seem worth upgrading from an iPhone 8. But I‘d also feel comfortable getting another 1-2 years of use from it on iOS 16 if I took good care of the battery and didn‘t mind missing out on new features. Hopefully this breakdown helps other iPhone 8 owners consider their best next step once iOS 16 support ends as well.