Apple Has The Opportunity To Relive A Unique IPhone Mini And Has Been Injected To Die

The iPhone 13 mini was victorious in its time (photo: x @diorama4694)

JAKARTA - In 2020, Apple surprised many people by bringing back the segment they had left a long time ago: a small phone. By launching the iPhone 12 mini, Apple managed to bring all the iPhone 12 technology into a tiny 5.4-inch body. Unfortunately, the iPhone mini's work is only short. But now, there is a new opportunity to revive it.

The iPhone mini has only lasted two generations: the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 13 mini. After that, Apple stopped production and replaced it with a very different iPhone 14 Plus model, which was bigger.

Why did the mini iPhone fail? In fact, this product is targeting a new market: users who want a small phone. Apple has also accommodated this segment through the iPhone SE in 2016. But the mini iPhone has a major weakness: the price of 699 US dollars is considered too expensive for small devices with limited battery life. On the other hand, with just an additional 100 US dollars, consumers can get a larger iPhone model with more battery life.

That's why the iPhone SE was a success, while the mini iPhone didn't. The price factor is very decisive.

Earlier this year, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e for $599. This device is a iPhone 14 version with a 6.1-inch screen size, USB-C port, A18 chip, and one camera. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16e is only available in one size.

Imagine if Apple brought back a mini version in the "e" line, for example the mini iPhone 16e, at a price of 499 US dollars. With this price, compromise in batteries and size becomes more acceptable to consumers.

What's more, Apple already has R&D capital from the previous model, so it's not difficult to produce it back.

The latest report from The Information states that Apple plans to change its iPhone launch schedule in 2026, with the iPhone 18 Air/Pro line coming in the fall and the iPhone 18/18e coming in the spring. If true, models like the iPhone 18e mini will get bigger than usual stages, and may be able to attract more attention.

Even though the chances are small, the idea of a mini iPhone returning is still worth fighting for. Apple has a unique position to re-filling small smartphone market niches, especially with the current iPhone standard size which continues to grow (up to 6.3 inches). Maybe it's time for Apple to try again.