Honestly, the fact that we’re even talking about the iPhone 8 in 2026 is a testament to how well Apple builds their hardware. It’s been nearly nine years since this thing first hit the shelves. Remember the home button? The actual, physical click (well, haptic click) that didn't involve swiping up like a madman?
If you're hunting for one now, you're likely looking for a "burner" phone, a device for a kid, or maybe you just miss the pocketable 4.7-inch form factor. But the market has shifted. You won't find these at the Apple Store, obviously. You’re looking at the wild west of refurbished marketplaces and eBay bids.
So, how much will an iPhone 8 cost right now?
As of January 2026, the price for a base 64GB iPhone 8 has settled into the $85 to $115 range for a unit in decent condition. If you’re willing to live with some "character" (scratches, maybe a tiny chip in the glass), you can find them as low as $60. But like anything this old, the price is only half the story.
The 2026 Price Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Prices aren't uniform. They fluctuate based on where you look and how much storage is tucked inside. Surprisingly, the 256GB models haven't held their premium value as well as you’d think. People buying an iPhone 8 in 2026 usually aren't looking to store 4K video; they want a cheap, functional phone.
- Refurbished (Excellent Condition): Sites like Back Market or Gazelle are listing these between $110 and $125. You pay a bit more here for the peace of mind and, usually, a 12-month warranty.
- The "Fair" Tier: If the screen has some micro-scratches and the body shows some silver through the space gray, expect to pay around $90.
- Carrier Locked vs. Unlocked: This is huge. A phone locked to AT&T or Verizon might sell for $70, while a fully unlocked model still commands that $100+ price tag because it's easier to ship overseas or swap to a prepaid MVNO.
The iPhone 8 Plus is a different beast entirely. People still love that 5.5-inch screen and the dual-camera setup for basic portrait shots. You’re looking at a $30 to $50 "Plus tax," bringing those prices closer to **$140 to $160**.
Storage Matters (Sorta)
Back in 2017, the jump from 64GB to 256GB was a major investment. Today? It's a rounding error. On Swappa, the average sale price difference between a 64GB and a 256GB model is often less than $20. If you find a 256GB for $115, just take it.
The Software Ceiling: Is it Still Safe?
Here is the "gotcha." The iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16. Apple officially stopped the major update train for the A11 Bionic chip when iOS 17 launched.
In early 2026, we’re seeing the first real "app rot." While the most popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail still work on iOS 16, newer versions of high-end games or specialized work apps are starting to require iOS 17 or 18. You're buying a device that is essentially on life support.
Security is another thing. Apple is still pushing out occasional "Rapid Security Responses" for iOS 16 (we saw version 16.7.12 recently), but don't expect it to last forever. If you're using this for banking or sensitive work, you’re playing a bit of a risky game.
Battery Life: The Elephant in the Room
If you buy a used iPhone 8 today, the battery is almost certainly shot. These phones shipped with a 1,821mAh cell. That was small in 2017; in 2026, with modern apps and 4G data demands, it’s tiny.
Check the "Battery Health" in the settings before you buy.
If it’s below 80%, the phone will throttled. It’ll feel laggy. It’ll die by noon.
A professional battery replacement usually costs about $50 to $70. When the phone itself only costs $90, you have to ask if the math even makes sense.
Why "How Much Will an iPhone 8 Cost" is the Wrong Question
The real question is: What are you giving up?
For about $150—just $40 more than a "good" iPhone 8—you can usually find an iPhone SE (2nd Generation). The SE 2 looks identical to the 8. It has the same home button. But it has the A13 chip (from the iPhone 11), which means it actually runs modern iOS versions.
Buying an iPhone 8 in 2026 is basically choosing nostalgia over utility.
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- The Pro: It has a glass back and supports wireless charging. It’s cheap. It fits in a pocket.
- The Con: No 5G. The camera struggles in low light. No Night Mode. It’s "vintage" in the eyes of most app developers.
Verdict: The "Buy" Signal
If you find an iPhone 8 for $60 and you just need something to play music in your car or a way for your middle-schooler to call you after practice, go for it. It’s a tank.
But if you’re looking for a daily driver that won’t frustrate you with "This app is not compatible with your device" messages by next Christmas, you should probably look at the iPhone 11 or the SE series. The price of the iPhone 8 has bottomed out. It won't get much cheaper because the components inside—the screen, the haptic engine, the casing—are worth more as scrap and repair parts than the phone is as a computer.
The smart move for 2026:
Check Swappa or eBay for "Unlocked iPhone 8" and filter by "Sold" listings to see the real-time market value. If the price is over $130, keep walking. You can get a much faster iPhone SE (2020) for that same money, and your apps will actually open.
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If you decide to pull the trigger on an 8, make sure it's the A1863 model if you’re in the US, as it has the best carrier compatibility for both CDMA and GSM networks. Just don't expect it to be your forever phone. It's a bridge, not a destination.