According to this BMW Blog article, starting in March, the 8 speed steptronic trans becomes stanard equipment in a few models. This may be the moment where manuals become not only the option, but the extra charge to equip to your order.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/17/bmw-8-speed-gearbox-now-standard-additional-models/
http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/17/bmw-8-speed-gearbox-now-standard-additional-models/