In the wake of Apple’s grand unveiling of the iPhone 15 family, a familiar but bittersweet ritual has taken place – the discontinuation of older iPhone models to make way for the new. While this is an expected part of the annual iPhone event, there was one unexpected twist: the demise of the beloved iPhone 13 mini, marking the end of an era for compact smartphones.
The iPhone 13 mini joins the ranks of discontinued models, alongside the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the aging iPhone 12. However, the absence of a compact iPhone in Apple’s current lineup is a poignant shift. The 5.4-inch iPhone category, once represented by the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, has now vanished.
The decision is a testament to market dynamics, as these compact models struggled to find widespread appeal compared to their larger counterparts. With the iPhone 13 mini’s departure, users favouring more petite smartphones will face a dwindling selection.
While Apple’s official sales channels may cease offering the iPhone 13 mini, it’s possible that some retailers may continue to carry limited stock. Additionally, online marketplaces like eBay might provide a lifeline for those determined to secure one of the last 5.4-inch iPhones.
This poses a poignant change in Apple’s mobile strategy. However, on the other side of the fence, we’ve seen Android phones like the ASUS Zenfone lineup do particularly well despite its compact size. Do you believe there is still a place for compact smartphones in today’s world dominated by larger screens? Share your thoughts on this farewell to the iPhone 13 mini and the compact phone era.
