There Is No iPhone 15 Mini: Here's Why

[Biro]

Too bad we don’t really know why the iPhone Mini failed in the marketplace. Was it size… or more like battery life?

If it was size, the pro-Mini people will just have to admit they are a market niche that isn’t big enough to warrant continued production of the device.

But… if the issue was battery life, I suspect the new stacked battery technology may be the solution - and a potential reason to give the Mini a try again.

 

[pshufd]

Too bad we don’t really know why the iPhone Mini failed in the marketplace. Was it size… or more like battery life?

If it was size, the pro-Mini people will just have to admit they are a market niche that isn’t big enough to warrant continued production of the device.

But… if the issue was battery life, I suspect the new stacked battery technology may be the solution - and a potential reason to give the Mini a try again.

The 12 had battery life issues which were resolved in the 13. Does it run as long as the regular models? Probably not.

I'm sure that it was the size. The phone is the only device for a lot of people and it makes sense to want a larger screen. Those of us that have iPads and Macs just use those when we need a larger screen.

I have the same problem with shoes. My feet are extra-extra-wide. Very few shoe companies even make shoes that wide or even something close. It's a very small market in percentage terms and I'm happy that there is a company that makes shoes that I can use.

 

[jayducharme]

If it was size, the pro-Mini people will just have to admit they are a market niche that isn’t big enough to warrant continued production of the device.

If I remember correctly, the estimates at the time were that the minis (the 12 and 13) sold millions of units. For any other company, that would be a home run. But Apple wants to sell tens of millions or hundreds of millions of units. So IMO it's a problem of scale and expectations. Apple didn't expect to sell millions of Vision Pros, so in a similar way why can't they make an iPhone mini as a niche product for those who prefer that form factor? They could plan to produce just a million or so units. I can't see how that would badly hurt their bottom line. It's still a premium phone using the same components as the others in the lineup, but just with a smaller size (and a smaller battery).

 

[jlc1978]

I can't see how that would badly hurt their bottom line. It's still a premium phone using the same components as the others in the lineup, but just with a smaller size (and a smaller battery).

If the people who buy them instead of a more expensive phone then it hits the bottom line. If the anticipated demand is small, then tehir is the added costs of production, shipment, storage that eats into margin. As a result, it may wind up being a low volume and margin device which is not very desirable to make.

If they sell a lot instead of more expensive devices, then total revenue takes a hit.

Either way not a very compelling product.

 

[pshufd]

If the people who buy them instead of a more expensive phone then it hits the bottom line. If the anticipated demand is small, then tehir is the added costs of production, shipment, storage that eats into margin. As a result, it may wind up being a low volume and margin device which is not very desirable to make.

If they sell a lot instead of more expensive devices, then total revenue takes a hit.

Either way not a very compelling product.

It's the type of product that you could sell in a severe recession when people are pinched for discretionary spending. When your premium products aren't selling and you go to the mass market to make up revenues. We're starting to see that at Target, WalMart, MacDonalds and others but I don't know if Apple will ever go this route. At any rate, I don't plan to upgrade until 2029. If they bring out another mini, then I'd upgrade immediately.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If I remember correctly, the estimates at the time were that the minis (the 12 and 13) sold millions of units. For any other company, that would be a home run. But Apple wants to sell tens of millions or hundreds of millions of units. So IMO it's a problem of scale and expectations. Apple didn't expect to sell millions of Vision Pros, so in a similar way why can't they make an iPhone mini as a niche product for those who prefer that form factor? They could plan to produce just a million or so units. I can't see how that would badly hurt their bottom line. It's still a premium phone using the same components as the others in the lineup, but just with a smaller size (and a smaller battery).

And you'd think it would be worth it to keep users in their ecosystem

There is, I'm sure, some percentage of Mini users who will get something other than an iPhone at some point if nothing else "Mini" is ever offered. I know I'm in that camp

I flat out will not buy and use a phone device larger than the 13 Mini
Will...Not...Do it...

 

[AppliedMicro]

And you'd think it would be worth it to keep users in their ecosystem

They arguably fragmented their lineup too much for that - but with still too much overlap between the products. Looking at the iPhone 13 mini, not only did/does the cheaper previous generation 12 mini compete with it - but also the iPhone SE on the low-end/low-cost end of the spectrum.

All the while the "standard" 13 seems to be a much attractive deal for mainstream customers that think of the size that "everyone else" (most people) get as a safe bet. And "...while I don't absolutely need the bigger screen and battery life, they're are nice to have and seem a good deal at only $100 more".

While the 13 mini happened to fix some of the battery life concerns with the 12, I don't believe the market will bear an annual refresh cycle for a "mini" line in quantities that Apple would deem worth their while (an resources).

I think Apple should go for a two-year release cycle for a "mini" phone, similar to the SE.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I think Apple should go for a two-year release cycle for a "mini" phone, similar to the SE.

Sounds great to me, but it’s already gonna be three years this fall …with no rumors of any new Mini anywhere on the horizon.

 

[splifingate]

Apple didn't expect to sell millions of Vision Pros, so in a similar way why can't they make an iPhone mini as a niche product for those who prefer that form factor?

I think that the 'why?' is that consumers generally prefer more screen real estate, and that the Mini is not an evolution. VP is another Thing, altogether.

Absolutely love my 13-Mini, but there is definitely no way I'm gana purchase one for USD3K+ 🤷‍♂️

 

[turbineseaplane]

It is just so frustrating.

Can’t they just keep using the 13 mini chassis and slightly upgrading the specs?

Like… that’s all a bunch of us want

Remove a camera too … not needed to have two lenses

 

[pshufd]

I think that the 'why?' is that consumers generally prefer more screen real estate, and that the Mini is not an evolution. VP is another Thing, altogether.

Absolutely love my 13-Mini, but there is definitely no way I'm gana purchase one for USD3K+ 🤷‍♂️

Apple makes the Apple Watch which isn't exactly huge in screen space.

 

[OJK]

And you'd think it would be worth it to keep users in their ecosystem

There is, I'm sure, some percentage of Mini users who will get something other than an iPhone at some point if nothing else "Mini" is ever offered. I know I'm in that camp

I flat out will not buy and use a phone device larger than the 13 Mini
Will...Not...Do it...

So… what will you do when you need a new phone?

 

[pshufd]

So… what will you do when you need a new phone?

The only decent option is to get an SE3. I've looked for another 13 mini and finding one new would be a major challenge. I suspect that will be the case when the SE4 comes out.

 

[OJK]

The only decent option is to get an SE3. I've looked for another 13 mini and finding one new would be a major challenge. I suspect that will be the case when the SE4 comes out.

But the SE3 is as fast as the iPhone 13 mini.
I was thinking more in a few years, when the 13mini is too slow.
I will be in the same situation at a certain point and I guess I might go for the smallest that is available at that time… and if that’s an android again, then it‘ll be an android.

 

[turbineseaplane]

So… what will you do when you need a new phone?

No clue right now -- will be riding 13 Mini for several more years I'd guess

 

[Downhilltenago]

The question is "would it bring in new buyers or shift sales from one device to another, cheaper, device?" If the mini and mini pro were the same price, would that have a significant impact on mini pro sales?"

Yes

 

[Quackington]

I’m sorry to say that I’ll be upgrading from my 13 Mini later this year. The battery life is the main issue, I’m having to carry around a power bank everywhere. A second, smaller issue is that even with fairly small hands, I find typing difficult on it. Constantly make mistakes.

I’ve decided that battery life is probably going to be my most important need so I’m gonna try either the plus or the max. If it’s too big I’ll just return it and get the a standard model.

 

[MNGR]

I think that the 'why?' is that consumers generally prefer more screen real estate, and that the Mini is not an evolution. VP is another Thing, altogether.

Absolutely love my 13-Mini, but there is definitely no way I'm gana purchase one for USD3K+ 🤷‍♂️

There are some folks who love the smaller size.. Fits in the hand, pocket, or purse better

 

[pshufd]

I’m sorry to say that I’ll be upgrading from my 13 Mini later this year. The battery life is the main issue, I’m having to carry around a power bank everywhere. A second, smaller issue is that even with fairly small hands, I find typing difficult on it. Constantly make mistakes.

I’ve decided that battery life is probably going to be my most important need so I’m gonna try either the plus or the max. If it’s too big I’ll just return it and get the a standard model.

You shouldn't have any problems selling your 13 mini.

 

[turbineseaplane]

my 13 Mini ... The battery life is the main issue

Battery life is not good, I agree

 

[audiophilosophy]

I plan to replace the battery in my iPhone 13 mini next year when it gets to the point where it doesn't hold a 100% charge. After replacing the battery, I'd likely use it for another 3 to 4 years. If Apple wants a guaranteed sale from me, they only need to make a small iPhone and just sell it for a year.

Too bad we don’t really know why the iPhone Mini failed in the marketplace. Was it size… or more like battery life?

If it was size, the pro-Mini people will just have to admit they are a market niche that isn’t big enough to warrant continued production of the device.

My wife and I got 13 minis. She’s 5’2” (small) and loves her mini. I was pretty happy with mine at first, but over the course of about a year, I gradually became dissatisfied with it. Here’s why:
1) The battery life was unacceptable. Apple should have eliminated MagSafe charging from the mini and used that precious internal space for a larger battery.
2) the screen size was slightly too small. I never owned an iPhone X or XS, but after having the mini, I came to realize that it was not always pleasant to have to be so precise with my finger on the touchscreen to be accurate (with clicking things, pressing buttons, etc.). I feel that Apple should have made the mini just a tad bit smaller than the X screen size, but not quite as small as the mini actually ended up being.

My wife is going to be really bummed if Apple never makes another mini. Hopefully Apple uses the McDonalds strategy with the McRib and bring it back every so often for a limited release— a mini every ≈3-4 years to retain the small phone enthusiasts.

 

[pshufd]

2) the screen size was slightly too small. I never owned an iPhone X or XS, but after having the mini, I came to realize that it was not always pleasant to have to be so precise with my finger on the touchscreen to be accurate (with clicking things, pressing buttons, etc.). I feel that Apple should have made the mini just a tad bit smaller than the X screen size, but not quite as small as the mini actually ended up being.

A lot of us got used to phones when the screen was 3.5 inches. I still have an old iPhone 5 that I sometimes use as a music player. Makes a good digital clock too.

 

[OJK]

2) the screen size was slightly too small. I never owned an iPhone X or XS, but after having the mini, I came to realize that it was not always pleasant to have to be so precise with my finger on the touchscreen to be accurate (with clicking things, pressing buttons, etc.). I feel that Apple should have made the mini just a tad bit smaller than the X screen size, but not quite as small as the mini actually ended up being.

I agree that the keyboard mistyping sucks a bit on my 13 mini. But I feel it’s not necessarily a problem of the size and could be fixed with a better keyboard. I had bought swiftkey on android and never had such issues - on similarly small devices.

 

[Downhilltenago]

Love my 13 mini and would love a premium update. However, it’s time to own a pro which I never have.

 

[splifingate]

Apple makes the Apple Watch which isn't exactly huge in screen space.

Apropos!

But, I was speaking more towards the already-diluted iPhone space.

The aWatch is a different beast, altogether