Honestly, it’s a bit wild that we're still talking about a phone from 2017. But here we are in 2026, and people are still scouring the internet to figure out the current market rate for this glass-backed relic. Maybe you need a burner phone. Maybe it’s for a kid who’s definitely going to drop it. Or maybe you just really, really miss having a physical home button.
Whatever the reason, if you're asking how much does an iphone eight cost right now, the answer is "not much," but the range might surprise you.
You aren't going to find this at the Apple Store. They moved on a long time ago. Today, the iPhone 8 lives exclusively on the secondary market—sites like Swappa, Back Market, and eBay.
The Quick Price Breakdown
If you want the short version, you’re looking at a window of $60 to $125.
That’s it. That is the whole spectrum for a standard iPhone 8. If someone is trying to charge you $150, they are either selling you a brand-new-in-box collector's item or they're just hoping you haven't checked the internet since 2022.
Current listings on Swappa show an average sale price of about $88 for the 64GB model. If you want the beefier 256GB version, it jumps up to roughly $114.
Condition is everything here. A "Fair" condition device—think scratches on the screen and some dings on the aluminum frame—can go as low as $61. If you want something "Mint" that looks like it just came out of the plastic, you might pay closer to $120.
Why Is Anyone Still Buying This?
It’s the Home Button. Truly.
Touch ID still has a cult following. Some people just can't stand Face ID, or they work jobs where wearing a mask or gear makes facial recognition a pain. The iPhone 8 was the last "classic" flagship before the iPhone X changed the design language forever.
But there's a massive catch you need to know about.
As of right now, the iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16. Apple released iOS 26 recently (they changed the naming scheme to match the year, which is actually kind of helpful), and the iPhone 8 isn't on the guest list. It hasn't been for years.
How Much Does an iPhone 8 Cost Across Different Platforms?
Prices aren't uniform. Depending on where you click, you're going to see different numbers based on the seller's "refurbishment" promises.
- Back Market: They usually lean a bit higher because they offer warranties. Expect to pay around $102 for a "Fair" 64GB model and up to $123 for "Excellent" condition.
- eBay: This is the Wild West. You can find "Parts Only" units for $20, but for a working, unlocked 64GB unit, the bids usually settle around **$65 to $75**.
- Walmart & Best Buy (Third-Party): You'll see "Restored" versions here. They often try to push bundles with cheap screen protectors and chargers for about $110 to $130.
The "Plus" Tax
If you’re looking for the iPhone 8 Plus, tack on an extra $30 to $50. The dual-camera system and the bigger 5.5-inch screen still hold a tiny bit of premium value. A 256GB iPhone 8 Plus in good shape can still pull $140 because it’s actually a decent dedicated device for social media scrolling or a backup camera.
Trade-In Values: The Sad Truth
If you're on the other side of the fence and trying to sell one, don't expect a windfall.
Apple’s official trade-in value for an iPhone 8 topped out at $40 in January 2026. And that's if it’s in perfect shape. Most third-party buyback sites like Gazelle or BankMyCell are offering between $18 and $31 for the base model.
It’s basically worth a couple of pizzas at this point.
Is it actually usable in 2026?
Here is the nuanced part.
The A11 Bionic chip inside was a beast when it launched. It can still handle basic tasks. You can send iMessages, you can browse Safari (mostly), and you can use Google Maps.
But the battery? It's tiny.
The iPhone 8 shipped with an 1821mAh battery. By 2026, most of these used units have "Battery Health" percentages in the low 80s. That means you’re looking at maybe 3 hours of screen time before it dies. If you buy one, you basically have to factor in the cost of a battery replacement, which usually runs about $50-$70 at a local repair shop.
Suddenly, your $80 "deal" costs $150.
The App Compatibility Wall
Because it’s stuck on iOS 16, the clock is ticking.
Right now, most major apps (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) still support iOS 16. But developers are starting to shift their minimum requirements to iOS 17 or 18. In another year, you might find that your favorite banking app or a new game simply won't download.
It’s a "vintage" device now. Apple officially labeled the iPhone 8 Plus as "vintage" late last year, which means parts are getting harder to find and software support is officially dead.
Better Alternatives for the Same Money
If you have $100 to spend, the iPhone 8 is actually a tough sell.
The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) usually goes for about $99 refurbished. It looks identical to the iPhone 8—same screen, same home button—but it has the A13 chip. That allows it to run much newer software and gives it a longer lifespan.
If you can stretch to $120, you can often find an iPhone SE (3rd Gen). That one has 5G and the A15 chip (the same as the iPhone 13). It is objectively a better way to spend your money if you want that classic design.
What to Check Before Buying
If you're dead set on the 8, do not buy it without checking these three things:
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- Activation Lock: Make sure the previous owner signed out of iCloud. If they didn't, the phone is a paperweight.
- Battery Health: If it’s under 80%, it will throttle, meaning the phone will purposefully slow down so it doesn't shut off randomly.
- The Home Button: On the iPhone 8, the home button isn't a moving part; it’s a haptic sensor. If it’s cracked, it cannot be easily replaced without losing Touch ID functionality.
Buying an iPhone 8 in 2026 is a nostalgia play or a extreme budget move. It’s a beautiful piece of hardware, but it’s definitely entering its twilight years.
Next Steps
Check the "Battery Health" in the Settings menu before you hand over any cash for a used unit. If the seller won't show you a screenshot of that screen, walk away. You should also compare the price to a refurbished iPhone SE (2020) on sites like Back Market, as you’ll likely find a much faster phone for nearly the same price.