Fans of compact smartphones rejoiced when Apple introduced the iPhone 12 mini in 2020, and the iPhone 13 mini a year later. However, last year Apple refused to release a new compact smartphone, but continued to release the iPhone 13 mini. But now, it seems, the journey of Apple’s 5.4-inch smartphones is coming to an end – after today’s presentation they will no longer be produced.
As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes, supplies of the iPhone 13 mini are running low. The Apple online store in the USA calls the delivery time for some versions of the compact smartphone at 2-3 weeks, and for some at 6-8 weeks. This suggests that the iPhone 13 mini may be discontinued after Apple announces new iPhone models at its Wonderlust event on Tuesday.
Apple didn’t release the iPhone 14 mini last year, but kept the iPhone 13 mini as a cheaper option, starting at $599 in the US. If you’re interested in buying a compact iPhone, now may be your last chance as Apple will most likely discontinue it. Starting tonight, Apple’s smartphone lineup will likely include the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max, 4. 7-inch iPhone SE and 6.1-inch iPhone 13.
Initially, it seemed like there was strong demand potential for smaller iPhones, but sales data suggests that iPhone minis weren’t very popular compared to other iPhones. In April 2022, research firm CIRP estimated that the iPhone 13 mini accounted for just 3% of total iPhone 13 sales in the US in the first quarter.
Going forward, buyers looking to purchase Apple’s smaller iPhone will have to settle for the entry-level iPhone SE. But even this is rumored to be updated in the next year or two and equipped with a larger 6.1-inch display. At least for now, it looks like Apple has realized that small phones aren’t all that popular.
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