Apple, in 2020, a small -screen smartphone model targeted a user audience, which was silent. Although the iPhone 12 mini was 5.4 -inch, it contained the same technical features as his older brother iPhone 12. However, the life of this device was not very long. After two years, Apple stopped this series.
The iPhone 12 came first, then the iPhone 13 mini was introduced. But with these two models, the iPhone mini journey ended. A year later, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 Plus with a completely opposite strategy. This time the focus point was larger screen and longer battery life.
iPhone mini models were impressed by Apple’s price policy
The iPhone mini models were excited for those who wanted a compact structure, but the price tag of $ 699 was not attractive for users. The fact that only 100 dollars with a larger screen and a longer battery life was effective in the fact that the mini was not preferred. Users liked the small phone, but they did not support this love at high prices. This difference helps to explain why the iPhone SE is successful and Mini failed.
The first generation iPhone SE, introduced in 2016, came to the fore as an affordable and performance device. The mini series could not achieve the same success because the price segment was above the user expectation. Although small phones are technically successful, market conditions and user psychology have limited these models. It can easily be said that the price policy of that period in the shadow of the mini series.
Apple, in the first months of 2025’nin iPhone 16e model, focused on affordable models again. This model, which was sold for $ 599, drew attention with its 6.1-inch screen, USB-C port, A18 chip and single camera structure. With this model, a new sub -category called ‘E’ series has emerged. However, in this series, only one screen size is offered, small screen lovers again leaves.
At this point, the possibility that Apple can revive the mini -series again with a more affordable and smaller model to be positioned below the iPhone 16e. Such a device, which can be offered with a $ 499 price tag, can be quite interesting especially for those looking for small phone calls. Some technical sacrifices – such as a small battery or a single camera – can be accepted more easily at this price level. Such a model is expected to not create a high cost to Apple in terms of both production and marketing.
On the other hand, this idea may be compatible not only with user expectations, but also with Apple’s product development plans. According to a news reported by The Information, Apple aims to introduce iPhone models in two different periods from 2026. According to this plan, the iPhone 18 Air and Pro models will be introduced in autumn and iPhone 18 and 18e models will be introduced in spring. If this calendar is applied, an ideal timing may occur for the promotion of an iPhone 18e mini.
In addition, Apple’s small phone segment still has a strong brand perception. Currently, the standard iPhone models on the market are offered with a 6.3 -inch screen, while users looking for more compact devices are having a shortage of options. Apple, who wants to evaluate this gap, can return to the mini series using the technical infrastructure in hand. Since R & D studies have already been completed, the development of such a product may be very accessible for Apple.
Although the probability of this scenario seems low for now, it is clear that the voice of users who want small phone is more and more. While screens grow in the world of technology, there are also data showing that some users are not satisfied with this size. The limited success of the iPhone Mini series in the past can be reversed by a new pricing and timing strategy.