Apple Kills iPhone 8

Apple today announced the iPhone SE (2nd generation), a new budget entry-level handset that’ll join Apple’s smartphone lineup. As an entry-level phone, the SE will replace the iPhone 8 which has served as Apple’s affordable option until now.

Apple isn’t wasting any time with the iPhone 8’s replacement. Immediately upon announcing the iPhone SE, Apple pulled the iPhone 8 and the 8 Plus from its website.

Easy to Say Goodbye to the iPhone 8

The $399 iPhone SE is a logical replacement for the iPhone 8. The two phones share a lot of similarities –– both have a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, both offer Touch ID, both have nearly the same front camera, both connect with similar wireless options and so on.

There are a few key differences, like a processor bump, that make the iPhone SE more attractive than the iPhone 8. The new iPhone SE has just enough upgrades that Apple can raise the bar on its new phone while keeping the price affordable.

No Budget Option for Big Phone Fans

What’s missing from this announcement is the iPhone SE Plus. There is no replacement for the equally affordable, but slightly larger cousin to the iPhone 8.

With the removal of the iPhone 8 Plus, there is a gaping hole in Apple’s lineup. Anyone looking for a budget phone is stuck with a 4.7-inch display.

Their only option for a larger phone is the $600 iPhone XR or the iPhone 11 Pro Max which starts at over $1,000. Neither of those options are necessarily budget-friendly, especially in the unstable economic climate caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Can You Still Buy an iPhone 8?

Apple may not be selling the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus any longer, but retailers and wireless carriers still have leftover stock on hand. As of the writing of this post, the remaining supply of the iPhone 8 has not been discounted, but we expect that to change as the iPhone SE pre-order and ship date approaches.

Not all models are in stock, Verizon Wireless and Sprint no longer have any inventory of the iPhone 8, while T-Mobile and AT&T only have limited color and storage options available. The iPhone 8 Plus is more abundant than the iPhone 8, but we don’t expect it to stay that way for long.

If you don’t care about a new phone, there are plenty of refurbished options, though. Both carriers and companies like Gazelle are selling refurbished models. Wait for the price to drop and then grab them before they are gone.