In 2020, Apple delighted fans of smaller phones by introducing the iPhone 12 mini, followed by the iPhone 13 mini in 2021. These compact devices offered a refreshing alternative to the ever-growing smartphone trend of larger and larger screens. However, after nearly three years of availability, it appears that the journey for the 5.4-inch iPhone mini might be coming to an end.

As reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the iPhone 13 mini is facing stock shortages, with Apple’s online store in the U.S. quoting shipping estimates of 2-3 weeks for some models and a substantial 6-8 weeks for others. These shortages raise speculation that the iPhone 13 mini could be discontinued after Apple unveils its new iPhones at its upcoming “Wonderlust” event.

Apple chose not to release an iPhone 14 mini in the previous year, but it kept the iPhone 13 mini available as a more budget-friendly option with a starting price of $599 in the U.S. However, if you’ve been considering purchasing the iPhone 13 mini, this might be your last opportunity, as it seems probable that Apple will discontinue the device when it introduces the iPhone 15 series. The new lineup is expected to include the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max, 4.7-inch iPhone SE, and the 6.1-inch iPhone 13.

Although there was initial excitement for a smaller iPhone, sales data revealed a different story. In April 2022, research firm CIRP estimated that the iPhone 13 mini accounted for just 3% of overall iPhone 13 sales in the U.S. during the first quarter of that year.

In the future, customers seeking a compact iPhone from Apple will have to settle for the entry-level iPhone SE. However, even the iPhone SE is rumoured to undergo changes, potentially featuring a larger 6.1-inch display in the coming years. For now, it appears that Apple has recognized that smaller phones aren’t as popular as initially anticipated.

Why iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 13 Mini fail?

On September 7, Apple introduced its new iPhone lineup for 2022-23, featuring the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Plus, and the standard iPhone 14. Notably missing was the iPhone 14 Mini, marking the end of the line for this smaller variant. Surprisingly, the absence of the iPhone 14 Mini wasn’t met with sadness. The iPhone Mini made its attempt to revive compact phones in an era dominated by phablets, and while it had its merits, it quietly departed from the stage.

For those who still appreciate compact phones, you can still find the iPhone 13 Mini at lower prices through various retailers. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the old look of the iPhone SE, you can opt for this smaller iPhone model and save some money. While the iPhone SE is expected to remain the most budget-friendly iPhone for a few more years before potentially evolving into a new iPhone XR, it’s evident that Apple isn’t planning to resurrect compact iPhones, and this sentiment extends to other Android manufacturers as well.

The reason for the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini’s lacklustre performance is rather straightforward – people have become accustomed to larger phones with expansive displays. The preferred screen size ideally hovers around 6.5 inches, although 6.1 inches, as offered by the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, is also acceptable for many. Anything smaller is now seen as cramped by modern standards.

This is where the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini faltered. Their 5.4-inch displays were simply too petite for today’s multimedia consumption habits, especially with the notch taking up a significant portion of the screen real estate. As a result, the allure of a smaller phone was overshadowed by the practicality and usability of larger, more immersive displays.