Why is iPhone 8 Plus becoming obsolete? There’s nothing wrong with my phone and I’m on a disability pension for my back ect so do not have money to get a new phone, and don’t understand why you keep doing this to us other than to just make more money. We should not have to replace a phone when mine is still like new and works perfectly.
This is a user-to-user forum. We’r other users of Apple equipment, like you. The people that work for Apple may or may not read postings around here, and only very seldom post replies.
Per Apple, iPhones go obsolete when Apple no longer has parts available for service and repairs. That doesn’t mean the existing iPhones will stop working.
And more generally, repairing an older (failed) device often isn’t economical for the user, either.
The iPhone 8 Plus was last sold in 2019 and 2020.
The last iOS version supported is iOS 16. Newer versions iOS 17, iOS 18, and the current iOS 26 (for 2026) are not supported
Again, you can continue to use the iPhone 8 Plus for as long as it works, and meets your needs. When it no longer meets your needs, newer and new iPhone models are available.
This is a user-to-user forum. We’r other users of Apple equipment, like you. The people that work for Apple may or may not read postings around here, and only very seldom post replies.
Per Apple, iPhones go obsolete when Apple no longer has parts available for service and repairs. That doesn’t mean the existing iPhones will stop working.
And more generally, repairing an older (failed) device often isn’t economical for the user, either.
The iPhone 8 Plus was last sold in 2019 and 2020.
The last iOS version supported is iOS 16. Newer versions iOS 17, iOS 18, and the current iOS 26 (for 2026) are not supported
Again, you can continue to use the iPhone 8 Plus for as long as it works, and meets your needs. When it no longer meets your needs, newer and new iPhone models are available.
Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support
"Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and Beats products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers for a minimum of 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale.
Service and parts may be obtained for longer, as required by law or for up to 7 years, subject to parts availability."
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As of September 30, 2025 – the revision date of the article – the following iPhone products were vintage worldwide:
No iPhone 8 Plus variants were yet on the "obsolete worldwide" list. (I would not expect any iPhone 8 Plus variants to be on that list until September 2026 – seven years after Apple discontinued the 256 GB iPhone 8 Plus.)
Apple considers devices "vintage" or "obsolete" (for hardware repair purposes) once they have been discontinued for 5 years and 7 years, respectively. (I believe they may offer battery replacement service longer than most other hardware services, but I am not sure about that.)
With respect to software updates, the Phone 8 Plus originally shipped with iOS 11, and received five major updates. But iOS 16 is the end of the line. The iPhone 8 Plus will never get iOS 17, 18, 26, or beyond. Although there are still a number of apps that run on iOS 16, as time marches on, app developers may decide to require something higher than iOS 16. If things get to the point where you want or need a newer version of iOS, you will need to buy a newer phone to get it.
Likewise, cellular technologies evolve over time. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 3G and 4G cellular networks, but not the faster 5G cellular ones. In many parts of the world, phone companies have shut down their 3G networks, or are in the process of shutting them down - so that 4G support is what makes the iPhone 8 Plus usable. But to get 5G support, you would need a newer phone that has 5G cellular radio hardware.
DonnaNelson888 wrote:
A lady who works in a phone shop I went in a couple of months ago told me that the iPhone 8plus would become obsolete in December. That’s why I’m asking.
The lady in the phone shop doesn’t work for Apple and was trying to scare you to buying a new iPhone. Obsolete isn’t a bad thing, but it reduces your options.
And by the way the iphone 6S is obsolete, whereas 7 and 8 are vintage, like a fine wine.
Obsolete?
Are you aware that Apple just issued a recent update for the iPhone 6s......a much older phone than your iPhone 8
Can you provide us with a link to an Apple Support document that would support your claims?
A lady who works in a phone shop I went in a couple of months ago told me that the iPhone 8plus would become obsolete in December. That’s why I’m asking.
Ok thank you.
Is the iPhone 8 Plus becoming obsolete in December 2025
