iPhone 12 mini days could be numbered with production set to cease next quarter according to JP Morgan
Apple’s iPhone 12 range has been a spectacular success overall, driving the company to record profits for the most recent quarter. The news hasn’t been quite as good for the iPhone 12 mini model, however, which has fallen well below Apple’s sales expectations for that model. We’d already heard reports that Apple has been scaling back production of its smallest iPhone, but now its future seems more dire than expected.
In a research note seen by Appleinsider, JP Morgan supply chain analyst William Yang says that although Apple is increasing production of its other models, iPhone 12 mini production could grind to a halt by the end of Q2. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will pull the iPhone 12 mini from sale, as it is possible that current production levels through to the end of Q2 will leave enough units in Apple’s inventory to take the company through to the iPhone 12s/13 refresh in September. It certainly doesn't bode well though.
Apple was slow to increase the size of its iPhone models but when it eventually did make the jump, many Apple fans complained about the loss of one-handed functionality. For a number of years, there were calls for Apple to reintroduce a smaller iPhone model, but the company resisted. Now, it appears that iPhone users have become accustomed to the 6-inch or larger iPhone models. That said, like the iPhone 12, the iPhone mini misses out on the better cameras of the Pro models while initial reviews criticized its battery life -- both of which could have impacted sales as well.
Despite this, Yang still believes that Apple is planning to introduce four new iPhone models in September. This would suggest that Apple is still pursuing an iPhone 12s/13 mini -- at least at this stage. If Apple executes an iPhone mini design better than it has on this attempt (particularly when it comes to battery life), it is possible a small iPhone could still be a viable proposition. Even with the poor battery life of the iPhone 12 mini, the current model still has its fair share of fans who have found it much easier to use and handle.
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