Apple seems set to discontinue production of the iPhone 12 mini sooner than expected, and the future of the company’s mini models looks uncertain.
For the record, since the presentation of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple has focused on devices which have larger screens, starting from 4.7 inches, to end up today with screens of 6.7 inches. The company, following its competitors and consumer demands, moved towards larger screens but also kept producing smaller models as alternatives to the dominant models in each series.
Interestingly, the iPhone SE was released as the smaller version of the iPhone 6s with a 4-inch screen, while the 2nd generation iPhone SE was launched with a 4.7-inch screen, which, based on today’s data and features of mobile phones, cannot be considered particularly large. Although the iPhone SE was never characterized as a flagship for Apple, the sales numbers it recorded were impressive, taking a rightful spot in the top 10 selling devices in certain countries.
More recently, the iPhone 12 mini, following a different path from the other models, uses the exact same characteristics of the iPhone 12, with the same processor, screen technology, camera, and design, just in a smaller body. However, while the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max seem to have impressive sales, the same doesn’t seem to apply for the iPhone 12 mini. Although Apple doesn’t publish sales for each model, based on analysts and research companies, the iPhone 12 mini didn’t achieve the profits the company estimated. Indicatively, the 2nd generation iPhone SE captured 22% of sales at the time of its release in the American market, while the iPhone 12 mini only reached 6%.
This gap seems to be influenced by each model’s value for money. On the one hand, the iPhone SE cost around $400, while the iPhone 12 mini starts at $700, with the characteristics of iPhone 12 models, but without proper screen and battery support. Therefore, the playback of content, gaming, and frequent daily use didn’t favor this particular model, resulting in customers not being satisfied with a device that cost them $700. In addition, the portion of consumers seeking smaller dimension devices seems to have significantly decreased.
Still, nothing proves the existence of a subsequent mini model in the iPhone 13 series. It is speculated that a model may be released taking common components with the iPhone 12 mini, allowing the company to take advantage of this particular investment, but we are still in the dark as Apple hasn’t confirmed or denied these specific rumors. If you are a fan of mini models on the iPhone, you’ll have to be patient until there is an official announcement from the company about the release of future mini devices.
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