You may be disappointed if you’ve been hoping for another iPhone Mini. According to Apple analyst Mark Gurman, Apple has no intention of making another compact iPhone anytime soon.
Apple first introduced the iPhone Mini with the iPhone 12 Mini in 2020. It featured the same sleek design as the standard iPhone 12 but had a much smaller 5.4-inch display, making it even more compact than the iPhone SE. However, despite its unique appeal, the iPhone 12 Mini struggled to gain traction in the market.
Reports from the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners in early 2021 showed that the iPhone 12 Mini accounted for just 6% of total iPhone sales between October and November 2020. Following its lukewarm reception, Apple released the iPhone 13 Mini in 2021 but failed to attract enough buyers. When Apple launched the iPhone 15 series in 2023, the Mini line had been discontinued entirely.
A niche but passionate fanbase
There’s no denying that the iPhone Mini had its flaws. While its compact size was a major selling point, the small screen required some adjustment, and its battery life was not as strong as that of larger iPhones. Despite these drawbacks, a dedicated group of users has continued to call for Apple to bring back a smaller iPhone.
Some tech enthusiasts believe the iPhone Mini was released at the wrong time. The iPhone 12 Mini launched in September 2020, at the start of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Its successor, the iPhone 13 Mini, arrived a year later when much of the world was still dealing with lockdowns and restrictions.
During the pandemic, people spent more time indoors, relying on their devices for work, entertainment, and communication. Larger screens and longer battery life became priorities, reducing the demand for a pocket-sized iPhone. When restrictions were lifted in 2022, and life began returning to normal in 2023, the Mini was already gone from Apple’s lineup.
With Apple discontinuing the iPhone SE as well, the company no longer offers phones with screens smaller than 6 inches. The newly introduced entry-level iPhone 16E features a 6.1-inch display—the same as the standard iPhone 16—leaving those who prefer smaller devices with no options.
Could Apple introduce a thinner alternative?
While Apple is moving away from compact phones, rumours suggest the company plans to release an ultra-slim iPhone later this year. This new model is expected to have a 6.6-inch display so that it won’t match the iPhone Mini in size. However, its reported thickness of just 5.5mm means it could be significantly slimmer than the current iPhone models.
For now, fans of small iPhones may have to accept that Apple is focusing on larger devices. Whether the iPhone Mini was ahead of its time or simply a product that never found its market, its absence leaves a gap for those who value compact, one-handed smartphones. The question remains: will Apple ever give the Mini another chance?
