RIP iPhone mini: Apple is no longer selling the smaller smartphone now that the iPhone 15 is here
- The iPhone 13 mini is no longer available on Apple's website ahead of the iPhone 15 release.
- The smaller iPhone had its fans as many people found its 5.4-inch screen more comfortable to hold.
If you're a fan of smaller phones, you've had the option in recent years to opt for the relatively tiny iPhone 13 mini. But that's no longer an option, marking the end of an era.
Up until last Monday, you could go onto Apple's website and pick between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, according to the Wayback Machine. But by Tuesday, as Apple revealed the new iPhone 15 lineup, the option to buy the mini brand new from Apple had vanished.
Before the iPhone 15 was revealed, the mini was one of the smallest-sized iPhone in Apple's current lineup. Its screen was 5.4 inches compared to the iPhone 14 with a 6.1-inch screen.
The smaller iPhone had its fair share of fans.
For one, it was cheaper. The iPhone 13 mini cost about $100 less than the iPhone 13, $599 versus $699. But for those still looking to save on a new iPhone, it's not all bad news — the regular-sized iPhone 13 's price was knocked down by $100 and now costs $599. That's a pretty good deal for a brand-new iPhone.
But the mini's size found favor among smartphone buyers who didn't love the move to ever-larger iPhone screens. The smaller screen made it easier to use the phone one-handed without having to stretch to reach the top of the touchscreen. Some fans of the mini said they find the smaller phone more comfortable to hold.
But the writing has been on the wall for the mini eventually being phased out. When the iPhone 14 lineup was released, a mini version was not introduced. Apple didn't give a reason, but it could've been due to lackluster sales.
Apple has introduced even bigger smartphones in recent years, with the 6.7-inch iPhone "Pro Max" model being its largest ever.
If you're a fan of the mini and disappointed by this change, there is still a smaller iPhone available — if you're willing to compromise on speed and fancy features, like the screen and camera. The iPhone SE is still on Apple's website, a budget smartphone made with older parts. It's even cheaper than the 13 mini was at $429 and has a smaller screen that's 4.7 inches.