Kuo: Next Year's iPhone Lineup Won't Include a Mini Model

[MacRumors]

Fans of smaller smartphones long hoped that Apple would introduce a smaller-sized iPhone with a modern design and features like Face ID. That wish came true with the iPhone 12 mini last year, and rumors suggest there will be an iPhone 13 mini this year as well, but the end of the line may be on the horizon for the 5.4-inch model.

In a research note shared with MacRumors today, reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the 2022 iPhone lineup will consist of four new models, including high-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models and low-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models.

"We predict that the new 2H22 iPhone will come in four models: the high-end 6.7" and 6.1", and the lower-end 6.7" and 6.1"," wrote Kuo.

If there is no so-called iPhone 14 mini next year, the iPhone SE would regain the title of smallest iPhone with its 4.7-inch display. However, the current iPhone SE is actually slightly larger than the 5.4-inch mini model due to having thicker bezels and a Touch ID home button. The iPhone SE also has only a single-lens rear camera and is equipped with an LCD screen, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has a superior OLED display.

In recent months, there have been numerous reports about the iPhone 12 mini experiencing lackluster sales relative to other iPhone 12 models, but there is no official data since Apple no longer reports iPhone unit sales. Apple retiring the 5.4-inch model next year would certainly suggest the device was not selling well enough to stick around.

Article Link: Kuo: Next Year's iPhone Lineup Won't Include a Mini Model

 

[Populus]

Yeah, I’ve read it on your previous post about 2022 iPhone lineup. And, plain and simple, that sucks. If at least Apple retained an iPhone with a size under 6”, like 5.6” or 5.8” (just like the old lineup), it would be okay. But at 6.1” and 6.7” I’m sorry but that’s very difficult to handle with one hand.

So yeah, this 2021 I will buy, in theory, my last iPhone, one that I hope it to last many, many years. I will replace the battery or even the screen if I have to during it’s lifespan. The only thing I pray for, is having Touch ID under the screen.

I wish Apple releases a new iPhone SE recycling this design in 2023 or 2024.

EDIT: Grammar.

 

[profets]

Disappointing news. I wonder if it means that current (at that point) 5.4” iPhone will stick around in the lineup as the current option (as opposed to getting an upgrade like the others).

 

[jclardy]

By that time I suspect the Mini will become the SE. They'll just drop screen quality/camera options and the price as well.

 

[contacos]

wasn't this already part of another post?

 

[coachgq]

I'm bummed, but I'm a realist. If it isn't selling to their expectations, they will cancel it. I just know I like it and will continue to use this size if it becomes the SE. The 6.1 and 6.7 are just too big. I like the pocket-ability of the mini. I have an ipad mini at 7.9 inches that is not much bigger than the max phone.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

Well, maybe because a flip iPhone will be replacing the mini which makes total sense.

 

[coachgq]

wasn't this already part of another post?

Yes, but macrumors must have a personal vendetta against the mini.

 

[snowatom]

I have the mini, and absolutely love it, I believe it will survive. Maybe not as an iPhone mini, but as an iPhone SE 4gen. They have spend to much making smaller inside components just to remove it after only two years.

Power to the mini 🤘

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Rip MINI model.

 

[neilw]

That is a bummer, but you could see it coming with all the reports of poor sales of the Mini. It's a great little phone.

6.1" is rather gigantic to be the smallest phone in the lineup. I find my 5.8" iPhone 11 pro to be really at the edge of what I'm comfortable with. I might have to pick up an iPhone 13 mini sometime next year before they go extinct.

 

[MacFather]

Good old days.

 

[iapplelove]

Once again only on MR were people asking for a small smart phone.

In the real world, no one says hey I wish my phone were smaller. No one.

Thus the lack of excitement/

 

[Dwalls90]

Yes, but macrumors must have a personal vendetta against the mini.

I'd say the opposite. There has been supply chain buzz that the mini was very low in consumer demand, yet folks on these forums (we don't represent the main consumer base) have been craving one for years.

As others have said, I think the SE will become the mini in 2022 and the mini moniker will go away.

 

[acblue94]

Fans of smaller smartphones long hoped that Apple would introduce a smaller-sized iPhone with a modern design and features like Face ID. That wish came true with the iPhone 12 mini last year, and rumors suggest there will be an iPhone 13 mini this year as well, but the end of the line may be on the horizon for the 5.4-inch model.

In a research note shared with MacRumors today, reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the 2022 iPhone lineup will consist of four new models, including high-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models and low-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models.

"We predict that the new 2H22 iPhone will come in four models: the high-end 6.7" and 6.1", and the lower-end 6.7" and 6.1"," wrote Kuo.

If there is no so-called iPhone 14 mini next year, the iPhone SE would regain the title of smallest iPhone with its 4.7-inch display. However, the current iPhone SE is actually slightly larger than the 5.4-inch mini model due to having thicker bezels and a Touch ID home button. The iPhone SE also has only a single-lens rear camera and is equipped with an LCD screen, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has a superior OLED display.

In recent months, there have been numerous reports about the iPhone 12 mini experiencing lackluster sales relative to other iPhone 12 models, but there is no official data since Apple no longer reports iPhone unit sales. Apple retiring the 5.4-inch model next year would certainly suggest the device was not selling well enough to stick around.

Article Link: Kuo: Next Year's iPhone Lineup Won't Include a Mini Model

https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/14/kuo-no-new-iphone-mini-in-2022/

worthless phone for people with very small hands apparently.

 

[Nozuka]

Once again only on MR were people asking for a small smart phone.

In the real world, no one says hey I wish my phone were smaller. No one.

Thus the lack of excitement/

So MR posts are made by bots?

 

[navier]

Yes, but macrumors must have a personal vendetta against the mini.

So much of this. I don’t get the hate that it seems it’s at personal level.

 

[iZac]

I won’t lie, this hurts.

I can only think that they’ll run the mini 13 until 2023 when they upgrade the rest of the line to under display cameras. Then they’ll ‘update’ it to being an iPhone SE 3 with a hole punch camera with no Face ID and a Touch ID side button or something.

 

[SW3029]

For those saying the reason the mini isn’t selling well is because Apple stores have been closed and consumers can’t see it in person...well that’s wishful thinking or outright excuse-making. Why?

• Apple Stores have been open virtually all year in China-Apple’s second-largest market. If all it took for people to buy the mini was seeing it in person, mini sales in China would be through the roof.

• Apple Stores have been opened virtually all year in Japan too-Apple’s third largest market. See above point.

• Apple stores may have been closed in America but Walmart’s, Best Buy’s, and Targets have been opened—all where you can see mini’s on display. Yet sales have remained low in America.

The fact of the matter is there just isn’t much demand for a mini form factor outside the loud minority voices on Apple blogs.

 

[Mainsail]

It is simple really:

Advantages of a smaller phone: one-handed operation and pocketability
Disadvantages of a smaller phone: smaller screen and reduced battery life

Some people will make this trade-off. Some people will not. I like having a choice.

 

[Jbusick7944]

Half-baked rumor.

 

[ijbond]

... and reduced battery life ...

I love my iPhone Mini. The battery of my iPhone Mini is the best battery I've ever had. Sometimes I forget to plug it into the charger in the evening and next day I can use it a second day without troubles.

The sales of iPhone Mini were affected by the fact that the SE2 was released 7 months before. Apple can blame themselves for the lucklaster sales of the Mini, nobody expected the Mini and people having waited for ages to get a smaller phone again got the SE2 in April thinking, there'd be no alternative.

 

[mrat93]

wasn’t expecting Ming-Chi Kuo to break my heart today but here we are.

 

[MrPresident]

It would be a massive shame if the mini form factor doesn’t return. I enjoy using my mini. In fact, I’d like it to be slightly smaller just so I can reach the top corner.

 

[iapplelove]

So MR posts are made by bots?

Have you met one person outside of an Apple fan website that asked for a smaller iPhone ?

Smaller than iPhone X? No one