iPhone 12 mini 12 Mini being Discontinued?

[iluvmacs99]

I hope this ain’t going to be true because I just ordered the 12 Mini and the reviews are mostly positive.

For those of us that have the 12 Mini, does this mean that Apple will still support this model with security updates?

Apple May Discontinue iPhone 12 mini Production Due to Weak Demand

iPhone 12 mini production is speculated to be discontinued by the second quarter of 2021.

gadgets.ndtv.com

The weaker demand of the 12 Mini is due to 2 things Apple didn't anticipate. 1, COVID pandemic and 2, Secular recession. What I had read was, the Mini was supposed to be a complement to the SE 2020 but when COVID hit, the recession took out a lot of people's spending power that was supposed to be for the Mini. The travel and leisure market, where the Mini was anticipated to be a best seller for that particular market with its smaller light body, a better camera and ultrawide angle lens than the SE 2020, collapsed overnight. Without needing a better camera, the SE 2020 with its A13 again wins out for the smaller phone market. So that's the reason why Apple, according to rumors, will introduce the 13 Mini in anticipation of the conclusion of the pandemic once vaccine rollout is fully complete. The 12 Mini came out during the time where its intended demand did not exist and there are still many people, like myself, who are on the sideline with older smaller phones seeing when the pandemic will conclude before we commit to the premium phone, because our jobs had not returned to full employment yet.

For me personally, I own a SE 2016 and without travel and the leisure back in full operations and without the cruise ship market, I can get by with the older SE. The Mini will stay I believe for a bit and it will receive updates like the 12 for a bit as well. Once the intended market returns and once people start returning back to post COVID activities, the Mini's smaller and lighter body will be more advantageous than the larger 12 and 12 Pro Max for someone who wants a smaller phone yet loaded with premium features and can confidently spend the extra cash over the SE 2020 when some work starts to return and people start having their full time well paying jobs back as well as the travel and leisure market.

 

[shapesinaframe]

The iPhone SE and the mini would appear to be on a collision course, I’m hoping the mini survives at SE prices.

 

[Ralfi]

At first I liked the idea of choice, but what’s happened now is Apple‘s pricing tier has shifted again, & the most popular/standard size (5.8”/6.1”) has now been bumped up in price, making it less accessible for many.

If they do keep the Mini, ideally prices should drop across the whole range.

But I’d prefer they discontinue it & price the standard sized iPhone nearer to what the Mini is now...

Something like this would be good as the SE is an awful piece of tech imo. Then drop prices across the board, but Tim’s not about that...

The iPhone SE and the mini would appear to be on a collision course, I’m hoping the mini survives at SE prices.

 

[DexBell]

The iPhone SE and the mini would appear to be on a collision course, I’m hoping the mini survives at SE prices.

Sure, and id like an M1 MacBook Air for $399 too while we are making wish lists. We know that will never happen of course. Apple has never been in the budget game, and the few "budget" devices they have made, use old and outdated designs and specs. The 12s/13 Mini wont be anywhere near $399, we will be really lucky if the price stays the same as the 12 Mini with the upgrades coming to it.

 

[taneff]

I also do think that Covid was the biggest enemy of the 12 Mini, and the biggest friend of the 12 Pro Max.

Apple Stores and many other stores, at least in my country, aren't open and most people want to try out phones in store before buying one. And I have read and also seen here with my Mini that people love the size. Not everyone wanted one but many said, OMG this is so small and comfortable. And people couldn't try the Mini out in store, so they don't know how amazing comfortable it is in the hands, even for people with larger hands. And most of the people don't just buy a phone online and sent it back if they don't like it. That plus not traveling and being outside a lot plus people being small phones aren't the yearly buyer could effect it. But summer is almost here, this is where small phones "shine"! People don't want a big phone, carrying it around. Maybe sales will go up till September.

Because of all the OLED 12 dilemma I though about switching back, 11 Pro Max is on sale here. But I just couldn't justify it and also I can't go without a Mini. It is THE perfect form factor imo, display, size, weight. It fits everywhere. In summer I will be happy to have chosen the 12 Mini over the bigger sizes.

12 Pro Max on the other hand could be the winner. Stores are closed and many don't know how huge this phone is and feels, I tried one myself. I think people being it because it being Pro Max and then keeping it even though it is was too big form them and they don't feel ok with it. Or sending it back of course. They couldn't try it in stores and then just see it's not for them.

 

[rui no onna]

I also do think that Covid was the biggest enemy of the 12 Mini, and the biggest friend of the 12 Pro Max.

Apple Stores and many other stores, at least in my country, aren't open and most people want to try out phones in store before buying one. And I have read and also seen here with my Mini that people love the size. Not everyone wanted one but many said, OMG this is so small and comfortable. And people couldn't try the Mini out in store, so they don't know how amazing comfortable it is in the hands, even for people with larger hands. And most of the people don't just buy a phone online and sent it back if they don't like it. That plus not traveling and being outside a lot plus people being small phones aren't the yearly buyer could effect it. But summer is almost here, this is where small phones "shine"! People don't want a big phone, carrying it around. Maybe sales will go up till September.

Because of all the OLED 12 dilemma I though about switching back, 11 Pro Max is on sale here. But I just couldn't justify it and also I can't go without a Mini. It is THE perfect form factor imo, display, size, weight. It fits everywhere. In summer I will be happy to have chosen the 12 Mini over the bigger sizes.

12 Pro Max on the other hand could be the winner. Stores are closed and many don't know how huge this phone is and feels, I tried one myself. I think people being it because it being Pro Max and then keeping it even though it is was too big form them and they don't feel ok with it. Or sending it back of course. They couldn't try it in stores and then just see it's not for them.

I expect most 12 Pro Max buyers are happy with their purchase. My aunt upgraded from a 7+ to the 12 Pro Max and they're very similar in terms of physical dimensions. Anyone who's already used a 6/6s/7/8+ would be right at home with the 12 Pro Max (barring preference for rounded vs flat edges).

Samsung released a smaller-sized Galaxy S10e a while back and I don't think it sold particularly well. Otherwise, it would've gotten a sequel.

I prefer more compact phones myself. Alas, I realize that's a fairly small portion of the smartphone market. Certainly, Apple's one of the few manufacturers (if not the only) still catering to the small phone niche.

 

[taneff]

I expect most 12 Pro Max buyers are happy with their purchase. My aunt upgraded from a 7+ to the 12 Pro Max and they're very similar in terms of physical dimensions. Anyone who's already used a 6/6s/7/8+ would be right at home with the 12 Pro Max (barring preference for rounded vs flat edges).

Samsung released a smaller-sized Galaxy S10e a while back and I don't think it sold particularly well. Otherwise, it would've gotten a sequel.

I prefer more compact phones myself. Alas, I realize that's a fairly small portion of the smartphone market. Certainly, Apple's one of the few manufacturers (if not the only) still catering to the small phone niche.

I disagree in terms of size, not the phone itself. Not only have YT, although they loved Max, said it could be the little "too much" for many, I had it in my hands and owned Max iPhones. It feels way bigger. Not heavier but bigger, even though it is only a little taller and even way thinner it does feel bigger. The Pro Max IS a great phone, no doubt about that. But sometimes size is just too much. That could although be true for people owning 5.8. iPhones. Maybe for them the Mini is just that little "too small" while 6.1. is too big.

I just think there would be a lot more people considering the Mini when holding it in their hands as it is just perfect size for smaller hands. Of course they would have to justify screen size but I'm just saying, esp the Mini, holding it in your own hands for the first time is a different thing than just reading about the very small screen. Which is even so small when using it in real life. It just sounds very small. You wouldn't believe how small it is and how big a screen for such a small body it has. Closed stores don't do that any favor. Of course this wouldn't mean it would suddenly be a bestseller, but I am sure it would sell way more than it actually does right now.

I am happy that there will probably be at least a 13 Mini. Will buy that whatever. Could be the last Mini.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I disagree in terms of size, not the phone itself. Not only have YT, although they loved Max, said it could be the little "too much" for many, I had it in my hands and owned Max iPhones. It feels way bigger. Not heavier but bigger, even though it is only a little taller and even way thinner it does feel bigger. The Pro Max IS a great phone, no doubt about that. But sometimes size is just too much. That could although be true for people owning 5.8. iPhones. Maybe for them the Mini is just that little "too small" while 6.1. is too big.

I just think there would be a lot more people considering the Mini when holding it in their hands as it is just perfect size for smaller hands. Of course they would have to justify screen size but I'm just saying, esp the Mini, holding it in your own hands for the first time is a different thing than just reading about the very small screen. Which is even so small when using it in real life. It just sounds very small. You wouldn't believe how small it is and how big a screen for such a small body it has. Closed stores don't do that any favor. Of course this wouldn't mean it would suddenly be a bestseller, but I am sure it would sell way more than it actually does right now.

I am happy that there will probably be at least a 13 Mini. Will buy that whatever. Could be the last Mini.

Size might be one aspect but I would expect the cost is also something that many will question. It’s a lot of money to put out every two or more years when the phones are essentially the same in terms of interface.

 

[shapesinaframe]

If they bring ProRaw to mini I’ll get one.

 

[rui no onna]

I disagree in terms of size, not the phone itself. Not only have YT, although they loved Max, said it could be the little "too much" for many, I had it in my hands and owned Max iPhones. It feels way bigger. Not heavier but bigger, even though it is only a little taller and even way thinner it does feel bigger. The Pro Max IS a great phone, no doubt about that. But sometimes size is just too much. That could although be true for people owning 5.8. iPhones. Maybe for them the Mini is just that little "too small" while 6.1. is too big.

I just think there would be a lot more people considering the Mini when holding it in their hands as it is just perfect size for smaller hands. Of course they would have to justify screen size but I'm just saying, esp the Mini, holding it in your own hands for the first time is a different thing than just reading about the very small screen. Which is even so small when using it in real life. It just sounds very small. You wouldn't believe how small it is and how big a screen for such a small body it has. Closed stores don't do that any favor. Of course this wouldn't mean it would suddenly be a bestseller, but I am sure it would sell way more than it actually does right now.

I am happy that there will probably be at least a 13 Mini. Will buy that whatever. Could be the last Mini.

As mentioned, my aunt had the iPhone 7+ before upgrading to the 12 Pro Max. Since I was the one doing the initial setup, I had the chance to compare them side by side and the dimensions are practically the same. Those used to the 5.8" iPhone X/Xs/11 Pro or 6.1" Xr/11 might find the 12 Pro Max too big but for anyone who was already on 5.5" 6/6s/7/8+ or 6.5" 11 Pro Max, it feels around the same.

I do have the 12 mini so I know how big it is and had an idea even before buying as I still own a 4" and 4.7". Personally, I use an iPad majority of the time so I prefer my phones on the compact side. I upgraded from a 4.7" iPhone 7 to the nearly identical SE 2020 and 12 mini. With that said, comfort in hand is one thing, aging eyes and/or having more content onscreen another.

With smartphones being the primary and sometimes only computer for a lot of consumers, comfort in hand probably takes a back seat to a larger display.

 

[snipr125]

As mentioned, my aunt had the iPhone 7+ before upgrading to the 12 Pro Max. Since I was the one doing the initial setup, I had the chance to compare them side by side and the dimensions are practically the same. Those used to the 5.8" iPhone X/Xs/11 Pro or 6.1" Xr/11 might find the 12 Pro Max too big but for anyone who was already on 5.5" 6/6s/7/8+ or 6.5" 11 Pro Max, it feels around the same.

I do have the 12 mini so I know how big it is and had an idea even before buying as I still own a 4" and 4.7". Personally, I use an iPad majority of the time so I prefer my phones on the compact side. I upgraded from a 4.7" iPhone 7 to the nearly identical SE 2020 and 12 mini. With that said, comfort in hand is one thing, aging eyes and/or having more content onscreen another.

With smartphones being the primary and sometimes only computer for a lot of consumers, comfort in hand probably takes a back seat to a larger display.

Rui no onna, how are you finding the 12 mini? I know you said in another post that you initially find it harder to reach the corners of the screen. Do you generally like the phone though?

 

[taneff]

I do have the 12 mini so I know how big it is and had an idea even before buying as I still own a 4" and 4.7". Personally, I use an iPad majority of the time so I prefer my phones on the compact side. I upgraded from a 4.7" iPhone 7 to the nearly identical SE 2020 and 12 mini. With that said, comfort in hand is one thing, aging eyes and/or having more content onscreen another.

With smartphones being the primary and sometimes only computer for a lot of consumers, comfort in hand probably takes a back seat to a larger display.

First, yes I totally agree. I have that problem too and this why I though about a Pro Max or even the normal sized 12. I think Apple has done a perfect job with the 12 Mini hardware but a very terrible job integrating iOS on it. They should have found display mode between standard and zoomed display mode. the standard one is very hard on the eyes and the zoom display mode is way too big. That is my main complaint besides the OLED display problems. They should have invested more time with iOS on the 12 Mini. But I agree, eyes don't get better with age, I f.e. am in my late 30s only.

And I also agree, that for people not owning an iPad like we do, Pro Max is the way to go. I would have chosen the Max without hesitation if I wouldn't own an iPad. No question there. Comfort of a small smartphone only plays a role here because I have the comfort of owning an iPad.

 

[rui no onna]

Rui no onna, how are you finding the 12 mini? I know you said in another post that you initially find it harder to reach the corners of the screen. Do you generally like the phone though?

Nope. It's giving me headaches. It's hard to like it when I can't go more than 30 minutes using the device before my head starts hurting.

I initially setup the 12 mini on AT&T (personal, primary) and kept the SE 2020 on Verizon (work). After the headaches, I switched back to the SE for my primary and 12 mini for work. I mostly use the work line for phone calls so the display isn't as big a deal there.

No idea what I'll do when Apple moves to an all-OLED lineup and the SE is no longer viable. Right now, I have the SE on monthly AppleCare+ so I'm just planning on using it as long as possible. Here's hoping Apple sticks to LCD at least on their budget iPhones or fix whatever the issue is with their OLED displays.

 

[snipr125]

Nope. It's giving me headaches. It's hard to like it when I can't go more than 30 minutes using the device before my head starts hurting.

I initially setup the 12 mini on AT&T (personal, primary) and kept the SE 2020 on Verizon (work). After the headaches, I switched back to the SE for my primary and 12 mini for work. I mostly use the work line for phone calls so the display isn't as big a deal there.

No idea what I'll do when Apple moves to an all-OLED lineup and the SE is no longer viable. Right now, I have the SE on monthly AppleCare+ so I'm just planning on using it as long as possible. Here's hoping Apple sticks to LCD at least on their budget iPhones or fix whatever the issue is with their OLED displays.

Thats sad to hear. Have you tried experimenting with various settings to alleviate the OLED pwm? Initially i was getting eye strain/headaches but turning off auto brightness and leaving it at 50% brightness with white point at around 75% completely resolved my issues. No head aches at all. I also turned off Face id. At least you got your trusty SE to fall back on though!