Yes, there is no iPhone 15 mini. Wondering why? Let’s explore. Apple made several changes with the iPhone 14 series of smartphones that came out in 2022.
The company got rid of the well-known notch and introduced the Dynamic Island. They also released a larger phone without the higher pro-level cost and included some noteworthy camera enhancements, as usual.
One big change you might have noticed is the absence of the iPhone 14 mini in Apple’s lineup. Instead of continuing the trend from the iPhone 13 mini, Apple chose not to offer a compact smartphone option. This decision is being upheld, meaning there won’t be an iPhone 15 mini either. Wondering why? Let’s explore the reasons behind this choice.
What was the iPhone mini anyway?
As you’ve probably seen, smartphones have been getting bigger since the first iPhone in 2007. But not everyone prefers larger screens. Bigger phones can be challenging to use with one hand and might not fit into pockets comfortably.
That’s where compact smartphones come in – smaller models designed for those who prefer a more manageable size. Apple joined this trend in 2020 with the iPhone 12 mini.
With the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple introduced a new 5.4-inch option alongside the other models. It included the latest features like 5G, new cameras, and additional colors – all packed into a smaller package. The next year, Apple continued the trend with the iPhone 13 mini, offering a smaller version of that year’s smartphone model.
One might expect an iPhone 14 mini to follow suit the following year, right? But no! The iPhone 14 series in 2022 was launched without a mini option. This decision signals the end of Apple’s mini smartphones, with no plans for such devices in the future – meaning there won’t be an iPhone 15 mini either.
Why won’t we get an iPhone 15 mini?
Apple didn’t need complex consumer research to make the decision to remove the mini model from its lineup. It was straightforward – the smaller handsets didn’t sell well. The iPhone 12 mini made up less than 6% of iPhone sales, and the iPhone 13 was even less popular, accounting for just 3% of sales.
There are several reasons for such poor sales. While some customers still prefer smaller smartphones, most people prefer larger devices. Apple knew this, but sales didn’t meet expectations. Why? The iPhone 13 mini (and 12) was a tough sell. It didn’t cost much less than the standard offering, and it had a smaller battery. Customers weren’t interested in the device even with the same performance as the regular models.
Naturally, Apple didn’t want to produce and sell an iPhone that didn’t sell well. That’s why there won’t be any more mini phones in the future. Instead of an iPhone 14 mini, the brand introduced the iPhone 14 Plus, offering a larger version of the standard device. The 14 Plus has been quite popular among customers as a larger option without the pro price tag. In fact, its sales are up 59% compared to the 13 mini. Apple has taken note and won’t be making smaller handsets anymore. So, there won’t be an iPhone 15 mini this year, either.
How to get your hands on a smaller iPhone
Still want a smaller iPhone to fit in your pocket? Even though there’s no iPhone 15 mini this year, you can still consider some smaller options. Even though Apple has stopped making it, you might still find an iPhone 13 mini. So, you can choose a 2021 model instead of the latest one. It won’t have the same performance, but it has similar features to the newer series of devices.
You might have to search for an iPhone 13 mini (or 12 mini) from a refurbished seller. Apple has its own refurbished store, and other retailers offer similar options. Alternatively, you could go for the iPhone SE (3rd-generation). This model reduces some features and even goes back to the old home-button design, but it’s definitely a much smaller option at just 4.7 inches.
