Hi Friend,

In an era of ever-expanding smartphone screens, a curious trend persists: many tech-savvy individuals, including several of my friends from Relay, still cling to their small iPhones. So, should Apple continue to offer a compact iPhone option despite its reportedly lower sales figures?

Apple has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the small iPhone form factor. However, recent trends suggest that Apple is less enthusiastic about smaller models. Industry insiders report that these compact versions don't perform as well in sales as their larger counterparts. This has led to speculation that Apple might discontinue the smaller form factor entirely, adhering to the principle that products failing to meet sales expectations should be phased out. The logic behind discontinuing the small iPhone is straightforward but, in my opinion, flawed. Yes, when offering only a few sizes, one will inevitably be the least popular. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it's not profitable or valuable to customers. A lot of the influencers at Relay love their small iPhones.

To put this into perspective, Apple shipped approximately 232 million iPhones in 2022 (source: Statista). Even if the small iPhone represents just 5% of those sales (a conservative estimate), that's still over 11 million units. For most companies, this would be considered a runaway success. The question then becomes: Is Apple, with its vast resources, really unable to sustain a product line selling millions of units annually?

Moreover, the small iPhone commands a dedicated following. These aren't just casual users; they're enthusiasts who value compact design so much that they'll hold onto older, smaller models far longer than the average consumer. It's crucial to remember that Apple holds a unique position in the smartphone market. Unlike the Android ecosystem, where multiple manufacturers can fill niche demands, Apple is the sole producer of iPhones. This exclusivity, I argue, places a greater responsibility on Apple to cater to a diverse range of user preferences, including those who favor a smaller device.

Some might argue that maintaining multiple iPhone sizes could dilute Apple's legendary focus. I disagree. Apple is a trillion-dollar company with vast resources at its disposal. If they can produce movies and television shows, they surely can continue to make a small-sized iPhone.

Let's look at the iPad as a case study. Apple offers iPad devices in small (iPad mini), medium (iPad Air), and large (iPad Pro) sizes. This variety hasn't led to a loss of focus or a decline in quality. On the contrary, it's allowed Apple to cater to a broader range of users and use cases. Why should the approach differ for the iPhone, Apple's best-selling product? As we move into an era of foldable phones and AR glasses, the importance of device size diversity may only increase. A small iPhone could be the perfect companion device for users who primarily interact with their digital world through wearables but still need a capable smartphone for specific tasks.

I've heard the arguments that Apple can't produce a small iPhone due to sales figures or a need for focus, and I don't buy it. There's not just room in the world for a small iPhone; there's a need for it. And in a company as innovative and resource-rich as Apple, there should certainly be room in the lineup for one. I don't think they'd have to make a new small iPhone every year, but instead, commit to a two-year upgrade cycle so small iPhone users know they can continue upgrading their preferred iPhone.

As technology advances, let's not forget that sometimes, less is more. For many users, a small iPhone represents the perfect balance of power and portability. It's time for Apple to reaffirm its commitment to its iPhone mini customers.

Your pal, David

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