iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017): wireless charging with a familiar Home button

IPHONE MODEL ARCHIVE · 2017

The iPhone 8 family sits at a crossroads: it retained the Home-button experience while adopting a glass back and wireless charging. It makes an interesting contrast with the iPhone X announced alongside it.

iPhone 8. Product photograph: Apple; pictured finishes may include later additions.

iPhone 8 Plus. Product photograph: Apple; pictured finishes may include later additions.

Introduced 2017-09-12. Filed under the original announcement date. Retrospective guide prepared in November 2026.

The generation at a glance

Announced on 12 September 2017, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus used the A11 Bionic chip, glass backs and Qi wireless charging. The standard model had a 4.7-inch display; the Plus used a 5.5-inch display and a dual rear camera.

Familiar controls can be the main attraction

A new interface is not automatically a better fit for every person. Someone who likes a dedicated Home button may value continuity more than an edge-to-edge display. Wireless charging answers a different question: where does the phone rest between uses? A pad can be convenient on a desk, while a cable may suit other routines. Evaluate the habit rather than treating either method as inherently superior.

Which version is which?

The 8 Plus combines a larger body with a dual-camera system. The iPhone X is a separate product with a different approach to authentication and navigation. Also distinguish the 8 from later SE models that resemble it. A similar front view is not proof of the same processor or generation.

What to check before choosing one

Inspect the front and rear glass separately and demonstrate both cable and wireless charging if both matter to you. Check Touch ID rather than just the physical button. For a historical comparison, place the 8 beside an X: together they show two different interface choices offered during the same announcement period.

For a used handset, inspect the exact device rather than relying on stock photographs. Ask to see the cameras, charging and controls working. Check storage, battery condition and whether the previous owner has removed their account. Compare any repair quotation with the total purchase price. For daily use, verify the software and services you need on that model before buying.