The cult of the iPhone mini is alive and thriving
My phone has some existential problems. It’s nearly out of storage, the battery lasts half a day, and every so often, when it thinks a little too hard, it heats up like a brick fresh from the kiln. I should probably get a new phone, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not until the experience of using my iPhone 13 mini becomes so miserable that I have no other choice but to trade it in for a…
The "cult of the iPhone mini" is alive and well, as a small but passionate group of people refuse to let go of their minis despite the devices' limitations. These enthusiasts can be found in online forums, sharing tips on how to keep their iPhones running after years of use and often lamenting the need for a charger as their phones run out of battery. The mini has become a symbol of rejecting the constant desire for rapid technological advancements and finding contentment in a device that is "good enough."
The history of growing phones began with the first-generation iPhone in 2007, measuring 4.5-by-2.4 inches with a 3.5-inch screen. Steve Jobs emphasized its size, calling it "really big" compared to previous compact devices. As phones grew, they required more ergonomic gymnastics, leading to the introduction of features like reachability on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
In 2016, Apple released the SE model, a smaller phone that prioritized affordability. Four years later, the iPhone mini was introduced in 2020, targeting those with smaller hands or carpal tunnel issues. Despite its practical advantages, the mini never gained significant market traction, with Apple discontinuing it in 2023. However, its loyal followers appreciate its compact size and the sense of belonging to a unique community that values simplicity and practicality in technology.
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