No New Compact iPhone on the Horizon

For those eagerly anticipating a revival of Apple’s compact iPhone, the news isn’t promising. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has no current plans to develop a new iPhone Mini device. This marks a significant departure from their previous strategy, signaling a firm commitment to larger screen sizes.

Market Trends Drive Apple’s Decision

Gurman addressed the possibility of a successor to the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini during a Q&A session with Bloomberg subscribers. His response indicated a clear shift in Apple’s product strategy:

“You know, we will see what the market says to Apple. For the moment, they are working on nothing. They don’t work on a smaller iPhone for the moment. They really changed course. They try to standardize a screen of about 6 inches and seek to go bigger and bigger. The more size you increase, the more small the 6 -inch phones seem small.”

Mark Gurman, Bloomberg

While the absence of a new Mini model might disappoint some dedicated users who prefer smaller devices, this decision aligns with the broader industry trend towards larger displays. Consider that, in 2024, smartphones with screens larger than 6 inches accounted for over 75% of global sales, according to a recent report by statista. This suggests a strong consumer preference for bigger screens, potentially influencing Apple’s strategic direction.

A Brief History of the iPhone Mini

Apple initially introduced the iPhone 12 mini in 2020, featuring a 5.2-inch screen. The following year saw the release of the iPhone 13 mini. However, in 2022, with the launch of the iPhone 14 series, Apple replaced the Mini with the iPhone 14 Plus, a larger model. The iPhone 13 Mini remained available as a more affordable option until it was discontinued in 2023.

Future of the iPhone Lineup: The iPhone 17 Air

Looking ahead, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to be replaced by the iPhone 17 Air, a brand new, ultra-thin model.This further emphasizes Apple’s focus on innovation and design, potentially at the expense of catering to the niche market of Mini enthusiasts. It appears that apple’s experiments with both Mini and Plus strategies didn’t yield the desired level of success, leading to a recalibration of their product roadmap.