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I'm genuinely puzzled why Apple doesn't seem to be basing a March, 2024 iPhone SE on the 2021 iPhone 13 mini. (Maybe they are?) They've already got all the assembly capability and have amortized the research, development, and tooling. Just take the 2021 iPhone 13 mini and make a few "parts bin" tweaks to turn it into the next SE: bump the thickness from 7.65mm to about 8.5mm (primarily for a bigger battery), bump the processor from A15 to A16, switch from Qualcomm to the Apple 5G modem (if ready; or a slightly more budget-oriented Qualcomm 5G modem if not), remove millimeter wave support, switch to a single main camera setup (but bump up the single camera specs), knock the front camera down to the current SE spec (12MP down to 7MP), remove Face ID and add Touch ID on the power button, switch from Lightning to USB-C (with USB 2.0 speeds), price it at $479 (the current iPhone 13 mini starts at $599; the current iPhone SE starts at $429), offer 2 to 3 colorways and 2 storage options (128GB and probably 512GB, with 512GB only available in 1 or 2 colorways), and...let's go!
 
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Before the event last year went out and bought a 13 mini because was worried Apple might cancel the 13 mini when the iPhone 14 launched. Returned it the day after the event and kept on using my 12 mini. Couple of weeks ago started checking stock at resellers in Canada and almost all were out of stock of the 13 mini. I went to my local Apple Store the next day and bought one. It's sitting in a drawer where it will stay for at least a year while I continue to use my 12 mini. When that dies, breaks etc I'll pull the 13 mini out of the drawer. RIP the mini form factor.
Be sure to charge the 13 Mini about once a month.

My wife has a 13 Mini and loves that phone, it is perfectly sized for her. I have cataracts and I have to use a larger phone to clearly see the screen so because I like the faster refresh rate of the 14 Pro I have.
 
The only person I know who insists on a "mini" sized phone went with the new SE instead because they prefer the home button. I doubt that will remain with the next SE, if there is one.

I'm happy with my 13, but can see the appeal of a smaller phone. It's not the size, so much as the weight. I'm interested in upgrading to a Pro Max model in the next few years, but only for the camera improvements over the regular Pro. I've tested them all out at the Apple Store and it would take some getting used to a phone that large and heavy. I take daily walks, and have noticed most other people at the park hold their iPhones; they're simply too heavy for pockets now.

Added: Reading this thread makes me interested in a Mini. Almost a 20% weight reduction vs the regular 13, and I wonder if it would help cut back on screen time.
 
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Hope this article is not true, anyway just love my 13 Mini (and back up 12 mini), one of Apples best iPhones of all time in my opinion. Going to keep using it until they release something comparable, like an iPhone flip.

Apple really missed an opportunity on this, as they could have kept the whole 'small and compact' phone to themselves as their is nothing really similar on the Android side (Zenphone's being the closest). They should have kept producing Minis, but at a lower volume with binned A chips (like they do with the iPad Mini 6), as they already invested R and D into the form factor.
 
Haha, my battery is at 82% capacity. New one is $69+tax. Holding out for a new mini. Otherwise I might need to get one down the line.
battery prices have increased recently. Just got my 12 mini replaced for $89 or $98 total. mine got down to 75% in almost 3 years but at that level it didnt run as smooth. Im keeping mine for another 2-3 years.

Cant run with a big phone bouncing around in pocket of running shorts or in hand.
 
I have no idea about market demand (and I doubt anyone here does either), but speaking as a small phone fan the fact they didn’t do a Mini Pro was a disappointment to me. I’d have bought one.

Secondly, the iPhone Mini was a compromised device. Apple’s obsession with thinness meant it had dismal battery life compared to bigger screened phones. They should have made it thicker (uniform thickness with no camera bump would have made a better looking phone with much longer battery life). We don’t know what demand would have been like if they’d done that, ie if they’d made a *good* Mini.

Lastly, 3% of phone shipments is still almost 7 million phones in 2022.
So make a “mini” phone with a smaller screen but thicker so it’s heavy like a larger one? Yeah I’m not sure that would work with most people who want a smaller phone. I agree that battery life is a major issue though.

You’re right that even 3% of the market is a large number but for corporations like Apple it’s not. It would take away resources from better selling products. This is why you’ll find niche products like this manufactured by smaller companies. For them it’s perfect.
 
Waste of manufacturing resources that could go to the most popular sizes. Problem with the mini is the screen is too small, battery life is bad, doesn't get all the latest cameras or largest storage capacities.

It's an iPhone with way too many compromises and this is why it's not a great seller. A minority might love it but the majority has spoken, people want larger phones.
Yea like there are no niche products in any market in any product category. Just make fewer and sell them all to cater for the demand that IS there.
 
I guess if there isn’t a market for it. You’ll be greatly missed.
 
The mini should be the new SE.

Drop the number and call it simply iPhone mini like iPad mini. Release an internals refresh every other year and keep it simple. The mini niche is perfectly suited for the SE market.

The SE was originally launched to keep a home button for those resistant to moving to the new gestures controls but many bought it for its smaller size, simplicity and low price. The home button will have been gone for nearly a decade soon — it’s time to move on. An iPhone mini at the bottom of the lineup would be perfect.
 
Unfortunately I believe that you probably really do have something there. While I don’t agree, it is fairly obvious I’m in a minority. I don’t blame Apple, it is just another example of American runaway consumerism. Go out there on the highway and most of the “cars” are giant SUV or mega pickup trucks. And many of the drivers with something less gigantic wish they had giant one too but, just cannot afford one. ( while I happily putt around in my Miata).

It is the same way with smart phone screen size. Few want a mini in the world of giants (mega max ultra pro), and many who would settle for a mini only because it’s the lowest cost configuration. And then as you mentioned, the few that want a mini can be disappointed that the iPhone mini is still bigger than they expected.

I’m afraid those of us whose 1st choice would be a mini (or would even pay a premium for one) are a minuscule portion of the marketplace.
So many people feel a need to compensate for their shortcomings…
 
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