Apple’s answer for iPhone mini lovers could be coming next year - 9to5Mac (2025)

A lot of people loved the iPhone mini, but not enough for Apple to keep selling it—the company isn’t working on a new ‘mini’ model. But Apple does, in fact, have a surprise alternative solution coming for small iPhone lovers: next year’s iPhone Fold.

iPhone Fold’s outer display is sized like a new iPhone mini

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which I’ve been calling the iPhone Fold, is getting a lot of attention for its iPad mini-like inner display.

But something not being talked about much is the outer display.

Per Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone Fold’s outer display is expected to be sized a lot like a different mini device: the iPhone mini.

• iPhone Fold’s outer display: 5.5 inches
• iPhone mini’s display: 5.4 inches

Pretty close, huh?

Next year’s ultra-premium flagship foldable will come with a display that’s very close in size to what we would expect from a new iPhone mini.

Unlike every other iPhone model, which starts at 6.1 inches and goes up from there, the iPhone Fold will have a much smaller, one-handed-friendly 5.5-inch screen.

Welcome back, small iPhone.

Foldable iPhone will provide two ‘mini’ experience in one device

I have no doubt that if the first iPhone Fold is a hit, Apple will ship larger models in the future. Consumers love big phones.

But for this first version at least, fans of ‘mini’ sizes will get two wins in a single device.

1. The outer display will provide an iPhone mini-like experience
2. while the inner display gives iPad mini vibes

Of course, Apple knows that the foldable will have a broader appeal than just ‘mini’ lovers.

If you use an iPhone Pro Max (which now has a 6.9-inch screen), the iPhone Fold will feel a little cramped on the outside.

But after unfolding it, the inner display will be a huge upgrade at 7.8 inches.

In theory, the iPhone Fold could meet a wide variety of user needs and preferences.

• If you miss the iPhone mini, that small screen’s coming back with the iPhone Fold.
• If you love the iPhone Pro Max, you can get an even bigger screen too.
• If you want iPad mini-like power out of the iPhone you carry everywhere, the iPhone Fold has you covered too.

The only major downside?

Apple’s foldable is expected to start around $2,000, a massive hike not only above iPhone mini prices back in the day, but also current Pro Max pricing.

Price aside though, small and big iPhone fans alike may find what they’ve been looking for in the iPhone Fold.

Are you interested in buying an iPhone Fold? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone/iPad deals and accessories

• iPad mini with A17 Pro (now $399, down from $499)
• Apple Pencil Pro (now $99, down from $129)
• AirPods Pro 2 (now $199, down from $249)
• MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
• 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging