The iPhone mini would have reached the end of its journey. After the event wonderlust which will take place tomorrow, and where the stars will be the new iPhone 15, Apple could discontinue the model it presented in 2020 and which, despite receiving excellent reviews, only lasted two generations.
Speculation surrounding a possible discontinuation of the iPhone mini grew after a tweet a post by Mark Gurman. The renowned journalist of Bloomberg indicated that the stock of several products was low or non-existent in the Apple Stores, including the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13 mini. According to their sources, the missing devices or accessories would be replaced on Tuesday night, after the event.
However, Macrumors note that there are notable delays in deliveries of the iPhone 13 mini in the Apple online store. Especially in the United States. Depending on the version – with 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage – users can receive them between 2 and 3 weeks after purchase, or, in the most extreme cases, within a period of between 6 and 8 weeks.
The last could be the definitive symptom that Apple is thinking about killing the iPhone mini to focus its resources on other models. Once the event on Tuesday ends and its online catalog is updated, we will know if those from Cupertino have indeed chosen to say goodbye to this product.
The end of the iPhone mini could be near
The iPhone mini debuted in 2020, with the launch of the iPhone 12 line. The device was hailed by the press for its ability to offer the same features of the standard version in a smaller body. The main concession that Apple made with this model was in battery life, although a year later it managed to improve on this aspect with the iPhone 13 mini.
However, the device never managed to take off in sales, and that would have doomed it. In fact, in December 2021 the first rumors appeared that Apple was not planning to launch an iPhone 14 mini in 2022. A fact that was finally corroborated with the introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus, a model with the same features as the standard iPhone 14, but with a screen identical in size to that of the Pro Max (6.7 inches). The differentiating element that those from the block proposed was its great autonomy.
Although the iPhone 14 Plus was not the commercial success that Apple intended, would have performed better than the iPhone 13 mini. In fact, in the first quarter of 2022, the mini version would have represented only 3% of iPhone 13 sales in the US. Meanwhile, during the first quarter of 2023, demand for iPhone 14 Plus screens would have grown by 59% compared to those of the iPhone 13 mini.
Is Apple running out of small models?
It will be necessary to see if these indicators determine that Apple puts an end to its experience with the iPhone mini. If its discontinuation is finalized, it will be only 3 years after the launch of the first model, and with just 2 generations under its belt. Furthermore, its definitive elimination would mean that, in the not too distant future, Apple could run out of small models.
Let’s not forget that, in 2024, those from Cupertino would launch a new iPhone SE. One of the most notable changes to this version would be the adoption of a 6.1-inch screen. This would mean leaving behind the characteristic 4.7-inch panel and reaching the same size as the standard and Pro models. We will be attentive to the news.