Last updated: August 2026
The iPhone 8 Plus is past the end of its supported life. Launched in 2017, it no longer receives new iOS versions, and security updates for hardware this old do not continue indefinitely.
What that means in practice
An unsupported phone still makes calls and runs the apps already on it. What it loses over time:
- Security patches — the serious concern, particularly for banking apps
- App compatibility — developers eventually drop older iOS versions
- Browser security, which follows the operating system
Do not put banking or payment apps on an unsupported phone, and do not finance one over 24 months — you would be paying well past the point of usefulness.
Where it can still make sense
| Use | Reasonable? |
|---|---|
| A spare or backup phone | Yes, bought cheaply |
| A first phone for a child | Possibly, with supervision |
| Music, media, or a car device | Yes |
| Your main phone on contract | No |
It was a well-built phone with a good camera for its time, and many are still running. That is a reason to keep one, not a reason to finance one.
What to buy instead
A current budget Android will have years of security updates ahead of it, for similar money. If it must be an iPhone, a newer pre-owned model with support remaining is the sensible route.
See budget Android deals, pre-owned iPhone deals and cheapest iPhone deals.
See iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone contract deals.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 8 Plus still get updates?
Not new iOS versions. Confirm the current security position before relying on it.
Is it safe for banking?
Avoid banking apps on unsupported software.
Should I take one on contract?
No.
More comparisons
- Contract Deals
- Check Coverage Before An Internet Deal
- Cell C Contract Deals
- Laptop Contract Deals South Africa
- Cellphone Contract Networks South Africa
- No Credit Check Phone Options
- Check Network Coverage Before A Phone Contract
- 24 Month Contract Deals
- Phone Contract With Bad Credit South Africa
Software support positions change. Confirm current status before buying. This is general information, not financial advice.