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If you like compact smartphones and were hoping for a new iPhone mini, you'll be disappointed. Apple currently has no plans to bring back a smaller iPhone. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed this in a Q&A. This makes it clear: The iPhone mini chapter is closed for now.
In recent years, Apple has gradually made its iPhones larger. For many, this is ideal – larger display, more comfort. But there's also a loyal user group that prefers small, handy devices. The iPhone mini was just right for them: powerful yet compact. Nevertheless, it failed to gain a foothold in the market. It's now clear that Apple will discontinue this model series for the time being.
Apple cancels iPhone mini from its plans
Mark Gurman, a well-connected reporter from Bloomberg, has in a live Q&A confirmed that Apple isn't currently planning a new mini model. Specifically, this means there won't be an iPhone 17 mini, and things aren't looking good for the following year—i.e., the iPhone 18. Gurman believes it's highly unlikely that a mini model will return. This is due to the long development time Apple allocates for new devices. If nothing is in the works now, nothing small will be released in the coming years.
No current iPhone under 6 inches
Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 13 mini in September 2023. Since then, the company has no longer offered iPhones with a display size below 6 inches. The current models—including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16—have displays between 6.1 and 6.9 inches. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini each had a 5.4-inch display. Before that, the iPhone SE was one of the last compact alternatives, with a 4.7-inch display. However, the SE had thicker bezels, making it appear larger overall than the mini models, despite the smaller screen. Apple has since discontinued this SE model as well.
Why there won't be a new iPhone mini
Although there is a small but dedicated fan base for the iPhone mini, Apple sees little reason for a return. The reason is simple: sales figures were too low. According to various market research firms, the mini models failed to convince enough buyers. It's not worth it for Apple to continue a product line that isn't commercially successful. This also explains why Apple isn't considering a return yet.
The iPhone mini is finally out
If you're hoping for a new iPhone mini, you should adjust your expectations. Apple has clearly shifted its strategy and is focusing on larger displays. Compact iPhones with sub-6-inch displays are currently a thing of the past. Anyone wanting a small iPhone will have to resort to older models like the iPhone 12 mini or 13 mini—or a used iPhone SE. New mini devices won't be available anytime soon. (Photo by Unsplash / Vince Picipo)
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