If you're a fan of compact smartphones, we have some disappointing news: the iPhone Mini is not making a comeback anytime soon. According to industry insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple has officially shelved any plans to reintroduce this smaller model. In a recent Q&A session, Gurman explained that Apple's design philosophy has shifted toward larger devices, leaving smaller models feeling increasingly out of place. “We’ll see what the market tells Apple,” he added, hinting that consumer demand may influence future decisions.

This announcement follows Apple's recent discontinuation of the third-generation iPhone SE, meaning that there are no current iPhone models with screens smaller than 6 inches. Instead, Apple's focus seems to be on developing a foldable iPhone, reportedly set to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, potentially launching as soon as next year.

For context, the iPhone Mini, which debuted with the iPhone 12 in 2020, had a 5.4-inch display and has not seen a refresh since 2021. While it did cultivate a niche following, particularly among users who appreciated its smaller size for ease of use—especially appealing to older adults—it fell short in overall sales. According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 12 Mini made up only 5% of total iPhone 12 sales back in January 2021, and neither the iPhone 12 Mini nor the 13 Mini appeared in the top 10 best-selling smartphones list that year.

Ramon Llamas, a director at IDC, noted the challenges faced by the Mini models, stating, “The writing was on the wall for this one.” With the prevailing trend toward larger devices, epitomized by the iPhone Pro Max, alongside the success of more affordable models like the iPhone SE, the iPhone Mini's market presence has been increasingly undercut.

As consumers opt for larger screens for better multimedia experiences and the rise of affordable options, it seems the iPhone Mini may remain a relic of a bygone era. With no indication from Apple that they plan to reinstate this fan-favorite model, Apple aficionados may have to adjust to a future dominated by larger phones.