In a surprising move by tech giant Apple, the iPhone 13 mini has been quietly removed from the company’s website just ahead of the iPhone 15 release. The 5.4-inch screened phone, beloved by many for its comfortable size, has seemingly reached the end of its era. This move, however, brings some good news for Apple enthusiasts as the price of the regular iPhone 13 has now been slashed by $100.
The iPhone 13 mini, despite having its unique fan base, has faced its inevitable end. Until last Monday, potential buyers had the option to choose between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 mini on Apple’s website. But as Tuesday dawned with the unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup, the option to purchase the mini brand new from Apple was no longer available. This marked the end of the smaller-sized iPhone in Apple’s current lineup, which had been a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of use.
iPhone 13 mini Discontinued from Apple’s Official Site
Apple has taken a decisive move, discontinuing the iPhone 13 mini from its official website. The removal comes ahead of the highly anticipated iPhone 15 release. The 5.4-inch screen size of the mini made it popular among those who found it more comfortable to hold. However, it’s not all bad news. The standard iPhone 13 model is still available, and with a price reduction of $100.
The End of a Mini Era
The iPhone 13 mini marked a unique offering in Apple’s lineup, appealing to those who preferred more compact phones. Until last week, one could choose between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini on Apple’s website. However, with the unveiling of the new iPhone 15, the option to purchase the mini brand new disappeared.
The Mini’s Appeal
Before the iPhone 15’s introduction, the mini was one of the smallest iPhone models in Apple’s lineup, boasting a 5.4-inch screen compared to the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch screen. The mini found favor among users who didn’t appreciate the trend towards larger iPhone screens. Its smaller screen made one-handed use more manageable, and some users found the mini more comfortable to hold.
In terms of cost, the iPhone 13 mini was approximately $100 cheaper than the iPhone 13, priced at $599 versus $699. In a bid to soften the blow of the mini’s discontinuation, Apple has reduced the regular-sized iPhone 13’s price by $100, now costing $599. This price drop presents an attractive deal for a brand-new iPhone.
The iPhone "Mini" Future
The discontinuation of the mini wasn’t entirely unexpected. When the iPhone 14 lineup was introduced, a mini version was notably absent. While Apple didn’t provide an explicit reason, lackluster sales may have played a role. The tech giant has been veering towards larger smartphones, with the 6.7-inch iPhone "Pro Max" model being its largest yet.
For fans of the mini who are disappointed by this development, there’s still a smaller iPhone model available. The iPhone SE, a budget-friendly smartphone made with older parts, remains on Apple’s website. It’s even cheaper than the 13 mini was, priced at $429, and features a slightly smaller 4.7-inch screen.
Takeaways
The discontinuation of the iPhone 13 mini is a clear sign of Apple’s shifting strategy towards larger screens. While this may disappoint fans of smaller phones, the price reduction of the regular iPhone 13 and the continued availability of the iPhone SE offer some solace. It’ll be interesting to watch how Apple caters to the small-phone market segment in the future.
