For the first time in weeks, Apple has restocked a range of iPhone 12 mini models in its refurbished and clearance stores, just days after the smaller form factor was expected to be removed from Apple’s flagship smartphone lineup.
For the upcoming iPhone 14 series, Apple is believed to be eliminating the 5.4-inch iPhone “mini” size in favor of larger device size. Available options are expected to include the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The 5.4-inch iPhone “mini” size was originally introduced in 2020 with the debut of the iPhone 12 mini, and its compact size was well-received by many. It was followed closely by last year’s iPhone 13 mini, which was largely an incremental update. Apple still sells both models on its main store pages, and despite the apparent popularity of the smaller device among enthusiasts, Apple decided that this form factor wasn’t popular enough to make a new iteration for the third year in a row.
Whether Apple will decide to continue to offer a new iPhone mini model after the launch of its next-generation flagship iPhone 14 series remains to be seen, and given that its successor is not yet available in Apple’s refurbished stores, the return of refurbished iPhone 12 mini-units to availability could be something to watch for consumers who favor smaller sizes.
Apple began selling certified refurbished iPhone 12 mini units in July of this year – a full 21 months after their initial launch – but demand over the past few weeks has made them hard to get a hold of following news of the impending demise of Apple’s upcoming new flagship lineup.
The iPhone 12 mini offers the same features as the iPhone 12, only with a more compact design, 5.4-inch display and 15 hours of battery life for video playback, while the iPhone 13 mini is a mostly iterative upgrade over the iPhone 12 mini, offering a brighter display, smaller notch, performance improvements and new camera software features in terms of improvements.
The more significant upgrades include camera hardware and longer battery life, but on the face of it, that may not be enough to justify the new model over the iPhone 12 for most customers.
At Apple’s refurbished stores, the iPhone 12 mini model is now available for as low as $529 for the 64GB version and up to $659 for the 256GB version.
Refurbished iPhones are unlocked and SIM-free. All refurbished iPhones come with a new battery, a new case and a new white box – including all manuals and a USB-C to Lightning cable. All refurbished iPhones are covered by Apple’s standard one-year warranty and are eligible for extended AppleCare+ coverage.
Apple says its refurbished iPhones have been thoroughly tested and cleaned, and in our opinion, they are virtually indistinguishable from brand new iPhones. One of the only noticeable differences in a certified refurbished iPhone is that it comes in a relatively plain box.
Apple will reportedly announce the iPhone 14 series at its “Far Out” media event on Wednesday, Sept. 7, local time.
