Apple Might Discontinue Its iPhone Mini Models Soon

The iPhone Mini might be next on Apple's chopping block.

The Cupertino-based tech giant could be considering the discontinuation of its iPhone Mini line after offering it to customers for three years.

Apple last released an iPhone Mini when it launched the iPhone 13; it didn't offer one for its iPhone 14 lineup.

The End Of An Era?

A recent X post from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is reportedly running low on iPhone 12, 13 Minis and Watch Ultras, watch bands, leather cases, and MagSafe wallets. Why it won't produce more is unknown, but not doing so may indicate that Apple plans to stop production and end its iPhone Mini model.

Apple first started offering a "mini" version of its later iPhone models when it launched its iPhone 12 lineup in 2020. According to Mashable, the iPhone 12 Mini was the company's first iPhone Mini model, giving customers a more affordable option when compared to its standard and Pro models.

The iPhone Mini models are exactly as advertised - smaller versions of the model in the lineup they're in. For instance, the iPhone 12 Mini has everything the standard iPhone 12 has, though it sports a smaller 5.4-inch display instead of the standard model's 6.1-inch display.

Unfortunately, the Mini's size is what caused its demise. Many customers - according to Mac O'Clock - found the Mini inappropriately small for the 2020s, with them almost considering it a toy phone.

Customers' perceptions are also reflected in the iPhone Mini's low sales numbers. Research firm CIRP (via MacRumors) found in April 2022 that the iPhone 13 - the latest iPhone Mini model as of press time - accounted for only 3% of overall iPhone sales in the US in Q1 2022.

These reasons are what may have pushed Apple to exclude a Mini model for its iPhone 14 lineup, though it maintained production of the iPhone 13 Mini. However, if Gurman's post is true, then the iPhone 13 will be the last iPhone Mini in history.

Getting An iPhone Mini Or SE

Since Apple could end its iPhone Mini model soon, the following weeks/months would be the only chance customers could purchase one, whether it's the iPhone 12 or 13.

However, customers who wish to get a more budget-friendly iPhone could get the latest iPhone SE instead. While the iPhone SE has slightly inferior specifications when compared to the iPhone 13 Mini, there are rumors that the iPhone SE could get updated with a 6.1-inch display.

As such, customers who value size over quality may want to get the iPhone SE once Apple updates its display size. Meanwhile, those who want better specifications but are willing to get a smaller device may get an iPhone Mini instead.

For those unaware, the iPhone 13 Mini has a better front camera, more zoom options, a longer battery life, better water resistance rating, and MagSafe-friendly accessories compatibility than the iPhone SE. Apple also offers larger storage options for the iPhone 13 than with the iPhone SE.