Apple has made it clear: the iPhone mini won’t be making a comeback. The tech giant confirmed during a Q&A session with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that it has no plans to reintroduce a smaller iPhone model, at least in the foreseeable future.
The news comes after Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 mini in September 2023. This marked the end of its compact iPhone series, which first launched in 2020 with the iPhone 12 mini. Although praised for its powerful specs in a small size, the mini struggled to find a large enough audience.
No Small Phones on Apple’s Current Lineup
Currently, there are no iPhones under six inches in Apple’s direct offerings. The newly released iPhone 16e, launched in February, features a 6.1-inch display. In comparison, the iPhone 13 mini offered a 5.4-inch screen and the iPhone SE 3 had a 4.7-inch display. Both models were popular among fans who preferred smaller devices that were easier to use with one hand.
Despite that loyal fanbase, Apple appears focused on standard and larger screen sizes. The discontinuation of the iPhone SE 3 adds to the absence of compact options, further closing the chapter on small iPhones.
Users React with Disappointment
Many Apple fans have expressed disappointment online. The mini iPhones offered high performance in a pocket-sized form, which some users found ideal. Yet market demand did not justify continuing production. As larger phones dominate the market, Apple seems unlikely to shift direction anytime soon.
A New Era of Bigger Phones
While the iPhone mini carved out a niche, Apple’s sales numbers pointed elsewhere. The company is now fully invested in developing its mainstream models with larger displays and enhanced features. For those still hoping for a return of smaller iPhones, the message is clear: don’t expect one soon.
Apple’s decision to permanently retire the iPhone mini reflects broader consumer trends. As demand grows for larger screens and advanced features, compact phones may remain a thing of the past.
