The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Apple has not publicly explained why it stopped making the iPhone mini. The strongest available explanation is that the compact models sold poorly compared with other iPhones: a 2022 report of Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) data put the iPhone 13 mini at 3% of iPhone 13 sales. That points to weak demand as the likely reason, but it is not a confirmed statement of Apple’s reasoning.
When did Apple stop making the iPhone mini?
Apple made two mini generations: the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini. Apple introduced the iPhone 13 mini on September 14, 2021, according to its product environmental report.
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There was no iPhone 14 mini. Apple shifted that slot to a Plus model with a larger display. When Apple announced the iPhone 15 generation on September 12, 2023, it also removed the iPhone 13 mini from its retail lineup. The report at the time noted that refurbished and third-party stock might remain while supplies lasted; that does not establish what is available now.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Did the iPhone mini sell poorly?
Reported sales mix is the clearest evidence behind the likely explanation. MacRumors, citing CIRP data in April 2022, reported that the iPhone 13 mini accounted for 3% of iPhone 13 sales—half the share attributed to the iPhone 12 mini. This is a reported share of sales, not a unit count or audited Apple figure.
#1 Best Overall
- Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
- Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 12 mini/13 mini; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you
MacRumors characterized weak sales as likely the main reason Apple ended the mini line. Apple has not confirmed that explanation in the sources available here, and no internal decision document is cited. The sales data supports an inference, not certainty about what drove Apple’s decision. See MacRumors’ discussion of the missing iPhone 15 mini.
Was the decision simply because people want bigger phones?
Not necessarily. Apple’s move from a mini to a Plus model shows a change in its lineup, but it does not prove that screen size alone determined the decision. The same MacRumors analysis discussed reports of weak demand for the iPhone 14 Plus, which complicates the idea that larger phones automatically sell better.
Rank #2
- Compatible with iPhone 13 Mini & iPhone 12 Mini (Only - Not Compatible with iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max)
- Tested to survive 3X as many drops as military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) with lasting antimicrobial technology Helps protect the case exterior against many common bacteria. It does not protect you or the screen
- Thin, pocket-friendly case made with 35% recycled plastic slips in and out of pockets easily, has a secure grip for confident handling and compatible with Apple MagSafecharger and wireless charging
- Dual layer, soft inner slipcover and hard outer shell absorb and deflect impact while port covers block dirt, dust and lint from getting into jacks and ports and raised edges protect camera and screen
Ars Technica also noted that Apple kept the larger iPhone 13 after dropping the mini, and cautioned that there was no evidence the then-anticipated SE refresh would become a mini successor. Taken together, the reporting fits a portfolio choice based on relative demand; it cannot isolate screen size from other factors. Ars Technica’s report covers the lineup change.
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Is Apple likely to bring back a small iPhone?
There is no confirmed mini successor in the cited reporting. In March 2025, MacRumors reported that Apple was not planning another small phone. That is a report about the company’s plans at that time, not a permanent guarantee about future products. Read the March 2025 report.
Rank #3
- Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
- Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 12 mini/13 mini; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you
What this means if you want a compact iPhone
The iPhone 13 mini remains the last mini model in this lineup history, but present-day stock, pricing, software-support timing, and seller terms need to be checked individually. If considering a used or refurbished one, compare its physical size with alternatives and check battery condition, expected runtime, camera and other features, price, remaining software support, and the seller’s warranty. The sources cited here do not establish current availability or those purchase terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Crafted with a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials, the case fits right over the buttons for easy use. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied to both the interior and exterior.
- And all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time
- With built-in magnets that align perfectly with iPhone 12mini, the case offers a magical attach and detach experience, every time.
- The perfectly aligned magnets make wireless charging faster and easier than ever before. And when it’s time to charge, just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger, or set it on your Qi-certified charger.
- Like every Apple-designed case, it undergoes thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process. So not only does it look great, it’s built to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops.
Rank #4
- Compatible with iPhone 13 mini & iPhone 12 mini
- Tested to survive 3X as many drops as military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) with lasting antimicrobial technology *Helps protect the case exterior against many common bacteria. It does not protect you or the screen
- Thin, pocket-friendly case made with 35% recycled plastic slips in and out of pockets easily, has a secure grip for confident handling and compatible with wireless charging
- Dual layer, soft inner slipcover and hard outer shell absorb and deflect impact while port covers block dirt, dust and lint from getting into jacks and ports and raised edges protect camera and screen
- Includes OtterBox limited lifetime warranty (see website for details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
