where is 256gb for iphone 8 and xr?

It's not the first time that Apple has done this. You can buy the iPhone 8 Plus refurbished with 256 GB (in the US).

Maybe they will also offer you refurbished Xr models with 256 GB.

All of the 256 GB models can be still bought from third-party (Amazon).

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/iphone/iphone-8-plus

Why is this a joke? Apple is selling older models at discounted prices, but they are no longer going to offer the higher storage levels on those two phones. If you want more memory, you need a more current phone. That's your choice. Save money on an older phone with less storage or buy a newer phone with the storage capacity you want.

Well that's just ridiculous. Apple is in the business to make money, not keep providing older devices with the memory you think they should. Every year, when the newer models come out, Apple does this. They offer a couple of models at reduced price with lower memory options. This is actually a good thing for someone on a budget who may not be able to afford the newer more premium phones. I don't care honestly what you purchase, but as I said already, either buy an older model with the storage being offered or get a newer more modern one with the storage which will best meet your needs.

There is no point in arguing this in a user to user forum. No one here works for Apple or has any input into Apple's marketing decisions.

That's your opinion. They will likely produce these phones for some time, just with lower storage capacities.

As mentioned above, if you want one with more capacity, buy a refurbished one from the Apple Refurb store, or check with your carrier or Best Buy. They may have stock not available from Apple directly.

If they ran out or there isn't sufficient stock left why would they sell it or build more to sell? The discounted price is to get rid of the extra stock.