Limited Prospects for a Compact Apple Smartphone

Apple's evolution in smartphone design has seen a notable shift from compact devices to larger models. Initially, the iPhone 12 and 13 mini catered to users seeking smaller screens, but Apple has since abandoned this market segment, leaving users with no options for devices under 6.1 inches. A recent report suggests that this trend may continue for the foreseeable future.

The earliest iPhone featured a 3.5-inch display, which was considered large at the time due to its all-screen design. However, the current lineup from Apple lacks any compact smartphones, following the discontinuation of the iPhone SE 3, which had a 4.7-inch display. According to insights from a well-known Apple journalist, the company currently has no plans in development for a smaller smartphone.

In 2020 and 2021, Apple released the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini, both featuring 5.4-inch screens with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. These models were praised for their pocket-friendly dimensions, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and weighing only 133 grams. However, due to disappointing sales figures, Apple replaced the mini variants with larger Plus models starting in 2022, which offered a more substantial 6.7-inch display.

The 12 mini and 13 mini appealed to a niche audience and, despite their discontinuation, remain functional with the latest iOS updates. Nevertheless, reports indicate that there are no plans for a new compact model. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is not developing any smaller iPhone models at this time, having distanced itself from the compact design trend.

Gurman noted that Apple appears to be settling on a 'base size' of around 6 inches, with intentions to expand further rather than shrink device dimensions. This strategy suggests that as screen sizes increase, a 6-inch phone may seem smaller in comparison.

Furthermore, Apple's future initiatives seem to lean towards larger devices, with foldable technology expected to emerge around 2026. Anticipation is also building for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, slated for release in the fall of 2025, which is expected to feature a minimum display size of 6.6 inches. Until then, users can expect continued support for older models, with iOS 19 likely to remain compatible with both the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini, according to current speculation.