Tomorrow’s Wonderlust occasion will probably mark the ultimate chapter in Apple’s 5.4-inch iPhone experiment because the iPhone 13 mini rides off into the sundown as soon as and for all.
After what gave the impression to be years of pent-up demand for a smaller iPhone, Apple launched the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini in 2020, a mannequin that packed in all of the capabilities of the usual 6.1-inch iPhone 12, together with full 5G help, in a a lot smaller bundle.
Sadly, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the diminutive iPhone. For one factor, battery life was noticeably weaker as a smaller telephone means a smaller battery. Additional, Apple launched the iPhone 12 mini a month later than the usual mannequin, seemingly resulting in slower uptake.
Whereas there have been lots of causes the iPhone 12 mini might not have been standard, it appeared the writing was on the wall for the tip of the smaller mannequin as early as 4 months after its debut. Over its complete vacation launch quarter, the iPhone 12 mini accounted for a mere 5% of worldwide iPhone gross sales, and whereas 9 out of the highest 10 smartphones activated in the course of the Christmas season have been iPhones, the iPhone 12 mini didn’t even make the record — it was beat out by the 2017 iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and the LG K30.
By March 2021, Apple had massively slashed iPhone 12 mini manufacturing, and by April, respected analysts predicted that Apple would drop the 5.4-inch kind issue by 2022. Apple additionally halted iPhone 12 mini manufacturing in June, which was unusually early — and fairly telling contemplating that the iPhone 12 mini remained on sale till September 2022, when the iPhone 14 lineup was launched. In different phrases, Apple spent 14 months doing nothing greater than promoting off present stock of iPhone 12 mini models.
Nonetheless, Apple gave the smaller iPhone yet another kick on the can in 2021 with the iPhone 13 mini. Nevertheless, that probably had extra to do with the product already being within the improvement pipeline than any hope that it might succeed the place its predecessor had failed. In spite of everything, Apple was already planning for the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus.
Unsurprisingly, that turned out to be prescient. Regardless of an even bigger battery and different enhancements, the iPhone 13 mini additionally turned out to be a flop, leaving zero probability that Apple would attempt the 5.4-inch design once more.
Nonetheless, as with the iPhone 12 mini earlier than it, Apple stored the iPhone 13 mini available on the market for $599, becoming a member of the $699 iPhone 13 as a extra reasonably priced smartphone for individuals who didn’t want Apple’s newest and best — and one final probability for individuals who actually appreciated the 5.4-inch design however hadn’t but considered selecting one up.
Nevertheless, now it appears to be like like the subsequent few days actually shall be your final probability to get an iPhone 13 mini. If Apple stays true to kind, tomorrow’s iPhone 15 debut will drop the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus into the second-tier pricing slot, whereas the iPhone 13 bumps the iPhone 12 out of the lineup, and the iPhone 13 mini goes away similar to the iPhone 12 mini did final yr.
Whereas it could nonetheless be doable to search out the iPhone 13 mini from carriers and different retailers for a short time longer — assuming they’ve any inventory to eliminate — by the tip of this week, it should probably be gone completely from Apple’s roster. Whereas doable, we wouldn’t rely on it showing on Apple’s Licensed Refurbished Retailer.
So, whereas now just isn’t a good time to purchase a brand new iPhone, there’s maybe the most important exception we’ve seen to that rule in a very long time. When you’re a fan of the smaller iPhone design, however you’ve been holding off on getting an iPhone 13 mini for your self and even as a present for a good friend or member of the family, this can be your final probability to take action earlier than the 5.4-inch iPhone disappears without end.