What you need to know
- Apple may be planning to ditch the 'mini' iPhone after this year.
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the 2022 iPhone will feature two 6.1-inch models instead.
- The iPhone 12 mini has been plagued by reports of poor sales and lower popularity since its release.
Despite the iPhone 12 mini being the best small iPhone currently available, a new leak says that the iPhone 13 mini could be the last time Apple makes a small flagship smartphone.
According to a new research note seen by iMore, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple plans to ditch the small 5.4-inch iPhone in favor of two 6.1-inch models, alongside two larger 6.7-inch models, with a 'Pro' version of each next year.
In his latest research note Kuo writes:
We predict that the new 2H22 iPhone will have 4 models, namely the high-end 6.7-inch and 6.1-inch models, and the lower-end 6.7-inch and 6.1-inch models.
It has previously been reported that Apple would release an iPhone 13 mini, despite ailing iPhone 12 mini sales. The 2021 iPhone is expected to be a more subtle 'S' upgrade on the iPhone 12, rather than a major overhaul like last year's version. That means four iPhone models in three sizes just like the current lineup.
As noted, Kuo says that next year Apple will drop the 5.4-inch model and run with two 6.1-inch models instead, one Pro, one regular. Kuo also shared some very exciting news about what those new iPhones might feature, suggesting the 'Pro' 2022 iPhone could feature a 48MP camera capable of shooting video in 8K. Even further ahead, Kuo says that 2023 could herald the introduction of under-screen Face ID, which might signal the end of the iPhone's infamous notch.
How do you feel about the end of the iPhone 'mini', is it a device you like? Or are you glad Apple is apparently turning its attention elsewhere? Sound off in the comments or over on Twitter.
