Fans of smaller phones rejoiced when Apple introduced the iPhone 12 mini in 2020, followed by the iPhone 13 mini a year later. However, after almost three years of availability, the 5.4-inch device may be nearing the end of its life.
As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes, iPhone 13 mini stock is running low, with Apple’s online store in the US quoting a 2-3 week delivery time for some models, and as much as 6-8 weeks for others. The shortage suggests that the iPhone 13 mini may be discontinued after Apple announces new iPhones at its “Wonderlust” event on Tuesday.
Apple did not release an iPhone 14 mini last year, but it did keep the iPhone 13 mini available as a lower-cost option, with prices starting at $599 in the U.S. If you are interested in buying the iPhone 13 mini, now may be your last chance, as it looks likely that Apple will discontinue the device on Tuesday after unveiling the iPhone 15 series. Apple’s new range will likely consist of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE and the 6.1-inch iPhone 13.
While there initially appeared to be pent-up demand for a smaller iPhone, actual data suggested that the iPhone mini had low sales relative to other iPhone models. In April 2022, research firm CIRP estimated that the iPhone 13 mini accounted for just 3% of total iPhone 13 sales in the US in the first quarter of that year.
Going forward, customers who want a small iPhone from Apple will have to settle for the entry-level iPhone SE, but even that device is rumoured to be updated with a larger 6.1-inch display in the next year or two. For now, at least, Apple seems to have realised that smaller phones just aren’t that popular.
