If youre the proud owner of an iPhone 8, you may be wondering just how much longer you can expect to get support from Apple.
While the iPhone 8 is still a great phone, its important to know when the support ends so you can plan accordingly.
In this article, well take a look at Apples support policy and what it means for iPhone 8 users.
Well also explore what operating system updates and security updates you can expect, how to check if your iPhone 8 is still supported, what to do when support ends, and what your alternatives are.
Ready to learn more? Lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Apple typically supports its iPhones for around five years after the initial release date.
This means that the iPhone 8, which was released in September 2017, will likely be supported until September 2022.
Apple typically updates their operating systems for the iPhone 8 until two years after its end of support, which would mean they will continue to support the iPhone 8 with system updates until September 2024.
Overview of the iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 is an iconic smartphone released by Apple in 2017.
It is the predecessor to the iPhone X and was the first device to introduce features such as wireless charging and a glass back.
It also featured a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera.
It was powered by Apples A11 Bionic processor and offered 64GB or 256GB of storage.
The device was available in space gray, silver, and gold.
The iPhone 8 was the first iPhone to feature a redesigned design, removing the home button and replacing it with a virtual home button.
This new design allowed for an edge-to-edge display, offering users a more immersive experience.
Additionally, the iPhone 8 featured a water and dust resistance rating of IP67, making it one of the most durable iPhones ever released.
The iPhone 8 was a revolutionary device in its time and was well-received by Apple fans and critics alike.
It offered users a new design, powerful specs, and a range of features that made it one of the most popular iPhones of all time.
Apple’s Support Policy
Apple has become renowned for its commitment to customer support and its focus on providing long-term support for its products.
As part of this commitment, Apple typically provides five years of software support for its devices, with security updates for an additional two years after a product has been discontinued.
This means that the iPhone 8, which was released in 2017, will be supported until 2022, at which point it will no longer receive major operating system updates.
However, Apple will still provide security updates for the iPhone 8 until 2024.
These long-term support policies are part of Apples commitment to providing the best possible customer experience.
By providing five years of software updates, Apple ensures that its customers can continue to use their devices for longer, without having to worry about being left behind with outdated technology.
Apple also provides security updates for up to two years after a product has been discontinued, so customers can continue to use their device with confidence, even after it has been officially discontinued.
Overall, Apples long-term support policy is a testament to its commitment to providing its customers with the best possible experience.
With five years of software updates and two years of security updates, customers can be sure that their iPhone 8 will remain up-to-date and secure for many years to come.
What Operating System Updates Will iPhone 8 Receive?
The iPhone 8 was released in 2017 and is powered by Apples iOS 11 operating system.
It has since been updated to iOS 13, the latest version of Apples mobile operating system.
While iOS 13 provides the most recent features and improvements for the iPhone 8, it is not the only version of iOS that the device will receive updates for.
Apple typically supports its products for five years after their launch, which means that the iPhone 8 will be supported until 2022.
During this time, the device will receive updates for any subsequent versions of iOS that are released, such as iOS 14, which is expected to be released in 2020.
This ensures that the iPhone 8 remains up to date with the latest features and improvements from Apple.
In addition to operating system updates, Apple also provides security updates for its devices for up to two years after their discontinuation.
This means that the iPhone 8 will receive security updates until 2024, even after Apple stops providing support for the device.
This ensures that the device remains secure and protected from any potential security threats.
All in all, the iPhone 8 will be supported until 2022 and will receive operating system and security updates until 2024.
This makes the iPhone 8 a great choice for users who want to stay up to date with the latest features and security improvements from Apple.
What Security Updates Will iPhone 8 Receive?
When it comes to security updates, Apple typically provides these for up to two years after the iPhone 8 has been discontinued.
This means that until 2024, users of this device will still be able to receive security updates that help keep their device safe.
Security updates are critical for staying safe online, as they help protect against vulnerabilities and keep your device secure.
Security updates are an important part of keeping your device secure.
These updates help patch up any known bugs and vulnerabilities that could be used to take control of your device, install malicious software, or steal personal data.
Security updates are released regularly and should be applied as soon as possible.
The iPhone 8 will also receive regular updates for its operating system.
These updates bring new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
Apple typically supports its products for five years after their launch, so the iPhone 8 will be supported until 2022.
After this, the device will no longer receive operating system updates, so it is important to keep up to date with them while the device is still supported.
It is also important to back up your device regularly so that you have a copy of your data in case something goes wrong.
Apples iCloud service allows users to back up their device to the cloud, and there are other third-party services available as well.
Backing up your device regularly is a good way to protect your data and ensure that it is available in the event of an issue.
How to Check if Your iPhone 8 is Still Supported
It can be difficult to keep track of when your device will no longer be supported, but luckily, its easy to check the status of your iPhone 8.
The best way to do this is by using Apples website to check the support status.
All you have to do is go to the Support section of Apples website, select iPhone, and then select iPhone 8.
This will provide you with a list of all the features and support that the iPhone 8 is still eligible for.
If youre still unsure if the iPhone 8 is still supported, you can always contact Apple directly.
Apple has a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer any of your questions.
You can reach them by calling their customer service hotline or by visiting their website and submitting a support request.
Its also important to note that you can still use your iPhone 8 after it is no longer supported.
Just keep in mind that it wont receive any new updates or security patches.
This means that youll be more vulnerable to malicious software, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your iPhone 8 secure.
What to Do When Support Ends
Once the official support for the iPhone 8 ends in 2022, there are still several options available to users.
The first is to keep using the device as is.
This is the most cost-effective option, as the device will still be able to run many apps and access the web.
However, users should be aware that when updates cease, their device will no longer be secure, and they will be vulnerable to security risks.
Another option is to upgrade to a newer iPhone.
Apple typically releases a new iPhone model each year, so users can upgrade to the latest version of the iPhone when the iPhone 8 is no longer supported.
This will give them access to the latest features, apps, and security updates.
Finally, users may also choose to switch to a different type of smartphone.
Although the iPhone 8 will no longer be supported by Apple, there are plenty of Android and other operating system devices available on the market.
These devices are often more affordable than iPhones, and they typically have access to the latest features and security updates.
Alternatives to the iPhone 8
When it comes to the question of how long the iPhone 8 will be supported, its important to consider the alternatives.
If youre looking for a device that will be supported for a longer period of time, then youll want to look at other options.
Apples latest devices, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, all come with a five-year support window, so theyre great choices for those who want a long-term device.
Apples iPhones also tend to be more expensive than Android devices, so if youre looking for a budget-friendly device, then youll want to look at Android phones.
Android phones are generally supported for two to three years, depending on the manufacturer and model.
However, some manufacturers, such as Samsung, offer additional support for their devices, so its worth checking which models come with extended support.
If youre looking for a more affordable option, then you may want to consider a refurbished iPhone 8.
Refurbished iPhones come with the same support window as new iPhones, but they are often significantly cheaper.
Finally, if youre looking for a device with the longest possible support window, then you may want to consider a feature phone.
While feature phones dont offer the same advanced features as smartphones, they can last for a decade or more and are often much cheaper than a new smartphone.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 8 is a great device and with Apples support policy, it will be supported until 2022.
After that, users will still receive security updates until 2024, making it a great option for those who need a reliable phone.
To make sure your iPhone 8 is still supported, you can check the Apple website for updates.
When the support has ended, you should consider upgrading to a newer device or looking into other alternatives such as Android phones.