iOS is the mobile operating system that Apple developed exclusively for its iPhone range. While it’s currently up to iOS 26.6 (with Beta for 27 available), iOS version 17 was revealed alongside the launch of the iPhone 15 series in September 2023. Each iOS update brings fresh system features, and iOS 17 was no exception, introducing StandBy mode, interactive widgets, and Contact Posters. Apple intended iOS 17 to be a refined release, aiming to improve the user interface and core apps on the iPhone with regular security and performance updates.
With major software updates like iOS 18 (2024) and iOS 26 (2025) having been rolled out since, those with older iPhone models may wonder if they’re still protected by iOS 17. Can iPhone 8 get iOS 17? What about iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X?
Sadly for users of these phones, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X do not support iOS 17. The oldest iOS 17-supported devices are iPhone XR / XS and onwards.
In this article, OzMobiles takes a closer look at this significant Apple update: which phones can still get it, which phones can’t, what happens when you stop receiving iOS updates and what you can do about it.
Can iPhone 8 Get iOS 17?
Apple typically supports their iPhones with 6 to 8 years of software updates. During this time, the phone will receive upgrades to the latest iOS version, along with bug fixes and security updates. So can iPhone 8 get iOS 17?
Unfortunately, the answer to the question ‘does iPhone 8 support iOS 17?’ is no. The iPhone 8 series can only update to iOS 16. If you want a device that can run iOS 17, it requires at least an iPhone XR or XS onwards.
Can iPhone X Update to iOS 17?
Released in November 2017, iPhone X was a milestone device that introduced Face ID and an edge-to-edge OLED display to Apple users. Today it still serves a useful purpose as a budget-friendly all-rounder iPhone.
Can iPhone X update to iOS 17? Unfortunately not. The last operating system update for the base model iPhone X devices was Apple iOS 16.
Which iPhones Support iOS 17?
Apple typically supports their iPhones with 6 to 8 years of software updates. During this time, the phone will receive updates to the latest iOS version, along with bug fixes and security updates. So which phones support iOS 17?
|
Compatible with iOS 17 |
Not Compatible (Maxes out at iOS 16 or earlier) |
|
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max |
iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus |
|
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max |
iPhone X |
|
iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen) |
iPhone 7 & 7 Plus |
|
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max |
iPhone 6s & 6s Plus |
|
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 6 & 6 Plus |
|
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (1st generation) |
|
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max |
All older legacy models |
Note: Devices released after 2023, such as the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series, and iPhone Air, ship with newer software like iOS 18 or iOS 26, but all support modern iOS environments.
Which iPhones Can’t Update to iOS 17?
iPhones that can’t update to iOS 17 include:
-
iPhone 8
-
iPhone 8 Plus
-
iPhone X
-
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
-
iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
-
iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
-
Original iPhone SE (1st Generation)
-
Or any other iPhone older than the iPhone XR / iPhone XS
If you’re unsure what iPhone model and iOS version you’re running, the information is easily accessible in the device’s settings. Go into Settings > General > About to see information about your iPhone model.
Why Don’t iPhone 8 and iPhone X Support iOS 17?
Can iPhone 8 get iOS 17? The answer is a firm no. But why do users of older iPhones such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X have to miss out?
The answer primarily comes down to hardware limits. These older models run on the A11 Bionic chip, which lacks the processing power required to smoothly run recent versions of iOS. These two models are at the end of their update lifespan and remain locked to iOS 16. Neither the iPhone 8 nor the iPhone X and iOS 17 are compatible.
When will iPhone X stop updating?
The iPhone X is part of the 11th generation of Apple’s devices and was originally released on 3 November 2017. It was named the iPhone X to celebrate the 10th anniversary of iPhone devices.
The iPhone X reached the end of its major update lifecycle with iOS 16 in September 2023. As of 2026, routine software and security support for the iPhone X has effectively ended, making an upgrade necessary for ongoing protection and full app support.
When will iPhone 8 stop updating?
The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X all stopped receiving major iOS upgrades as of September 2023 with the release of iOS 17. As of 2026, ongoing support for this generation has concluded. While these devices will still turn on and make calls, upgrading to a newer refurbished model is recommended to ensure security and app compatibility.
What Happens When an iPhone Stops Receiving iOS Updates?
System updates are important, not only for keeping your phone feeling fresh with the latest look and features but also for security and app compatibility. App developers tend to target the latest operating software versions, so if you’re on an old device, it means even third-party apps could start becoming buggy, stop working, or drop support completely for your device.
If your phone has only just stopped receiving updates, it’s not an immediate problem, but it could get worse further down the line. Security updates are important for keeping your phone running optimally, and no one wants to encounter a phone-breaking bug or security exploit.
New system updates are also important for bringing in new features. For example, iPhones that can't update to the new iOS 17 will miss out on interactive Home and Lock Screen widgets and the upgrades to Siri.
In a nutshell, when a phone stops receiving updates, it’ll be missing out on new features and potentially lose third-party support when it comes to games and apps. It also means that the phone won’t be as secure as before, especially if security update support has ended.
Should You Upgrade If Your iPhone Can’t Run iOS 17?
If your phone stops receiving updates, it doesn’t mean you have to stop using it. Older applications will continue to work for quite some time; you just won’t have the same software support and may encounter more bugs as time goes on.
That being said, reaching the end of a phone’s software support is a good sign to upgrade. So, if your phone stops receiving updates, it’s recommended that you upgrade to a later model. If budget is a concern, refurbished phones are a great way to stay up-to-date at a lower price.
When it’s time to upgrade, we recommend looking for a smartphone that still has long-term support for years to come. If you can’t upgrade your device right away, we recommend being more conscious regarding device security and the apps you install.
Newer apps may not run as intended, as most developers tend to target newer devices and put a strain on your phone.
Because iPhone 8 can’t get iOS 17, your easiest option is to switch to a new model of refurbished iPhone.
Best Refurbished iPhones to Upgrade to for iOS 17 Support
OzMobiles stocks are Aussie sourced, high-quality range of refurbished iPhones, including models compatible with the new iOS 17 update. Our team prides itself on offering the best deals on used smartphones, so if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat the price by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
All devices we stock, including iPhones, come with a battery life guarantee, a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return. So, if there are any problems with the device or you change your mind, you can reach out to our team for support.
All devices we sell, including our iPhone range, are extensively tested. Every component is checked to ensure it’s 100% fully functional and complies with Australian standards. The phones are also completely cleared of any previous data and factory reset.
If you have any questions about our refurbished iPhones or need help finding the right device, our team is happy to answer any queries. Contact us today, and we can connect you with the perfect phone.
