Why Did Apple Discontinue the iPhone Mini?
- Apple’s beloved small phone didn’t stand a chance—here’s why it got axed.
- Sales didn’t back the hype; the iPhone Mini faced an uphill battle from the start.
- A small phone in a big-phone world—was the Mini doomed from the beginning?
When Apple launched the iPhone 12 Mini in September 2020, it sparked a wave of enthusiasm among small phone aficionados. At a time when smartphone screens were expanding to near-tablet dimensions, Apple’s compact offering was a nostalgic nod to the past, fitting comfortably into one hand with its 2.53-inch width. This was a contrast to the base iPhone models that hovered around the 2.8-inch mark, pushing the limits of one-handed use.
However, by 2022, with the launch of the iPhone 14 series, the Mini was conspicuously absent. What happened to this seemingly perfect compact device? The answer is a mix of consumer preference, sales data, and strategic decision-making.
Photo via The Verge // The iPhone 12 (left) and iPhone 12 mini (right) being held in someones hand.
Struggles with Sales: The Hard Numbers
Despite the initial excitement and glowing reviews—“a revelation” according to Tom’s Guide—the iPhone Mini's sales fell short. Reports from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) indicated that during the iPhone 12 launch window, the Mini accounted for a mere 6% of sales within the lineup. This tepid reception set the tone for its future.
Further illustrating the Mini’s uphill battle, Morgan Stanley noted a planned reduction in iPhone 12 Mini production by two million units to boost output of the more popular iPhone 12 Pro. Nikkei Asia later revealed Apple cut production for the Mini by 70% in early 2022. Despite these figures, Apple moved ahead with the iPhone 13 Mini, only to see even weaker performance.
Pricing and Perception
The iPhone Mini's price likely played a role in its failure to capture a significant audience. Priced only $100 less than its larger counterpart, it wasn't seen as a major value option but rather a niche choice for fans of smaller devices. The Mini also faced criticism for its 25% smaller battery (compared to the standard iPhone 13), an issue that diminished its appeal, especially to users prioritizing battery life.
Photo via Forbes // The iPhone 12 mini, Apple's smallest, cutest iPhone.
The Shift Towards Larger Devices
Apple's move to discontinue the Mini reflects a broader trend in consumer preferences. While smaller devices excel in portability and one-handed use, most smartphone users gravitate toward larger screens and longer battery life—traits that the Mini simply couldn't deliver.
By dropping the Mini, Apple streamlined its production and shifted its focus to models that would capture a wider market. The introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus, which featured a larger display, was a direct nod to this trend.
Photo via TechCrunch // With the iPhone 14 lineup, Apple replaced the 'mini' iPhone with a new, 'Plus' sized iPhone.
Options for Small Phone Enthusiasts
The iPhone Mini may be gone, but for those still clinging to compact devices, there are alternatives. The iPhone SE (3rd generation), released in 2022, remains the smallest iPhone currently sold by Apple, though it lacks the modern design and Face ID technology found in the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini. A rumored 4th generation iPhone SE is on the horizon, potentially using the larger body of the iPhone XR or iPhone 12.
Refurbished iPhone 13 Minis are available directly from Apple, albeit at a premium. Depending on storage capacity, prices range from $449 to $699, but stock is limited and often sold out.
A Personal Perspective: The Allure of Small
Small phones hold an undeniable charm. For users who appreciate portability, the iPhone Mini was an anti-hero in a sea of large-screened devices. Its demise highlights a shift in the industry that prioritizes battery life, larger displays, and multi-tasking capabilities over the simplicity and comfort of smaller designs.
As Tucker Bowe wrote in Gear Patrol, “I love how easy it is to slide in and out of my pocket… it doesn’t feel like it’s weighing me down.” This sentiment resonates with a minority of users, even as mainstream preferences lean towards bigger and more powerful phones.
Photo via 9to5Mac // The iPhone 13 mini—Apple's last mini iPhone—was officially discontinuted in September 2023.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
The iPhone Mini’s discontinuation marks the end of an experiment that catered to a niche but vocal audience. In an era where consumers prioritize battery life and larger displays, the Mini struggled to compete. For those who still yearn for compact phones, options are dwindling, but the legacy of the Mini lives on in the devices that continue to champion portability over power.
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