iPhone Sizes Change Next Year: What to Know

[staceyu]

iPhone 13 Mini sales were about 3% of all iPhone 13 sales, so too low for them to keep offering it annually. But they might want to consider offering it every, say, three years to meet pent-up demand for a smaller phone.

Its main downside was battery life, but that could be easily addressed without affecting its ease of holding and pocket-ability by making it just a mm thicker (allowing more battery volume). The added thickness would also help with the camera quality.

iPhone XS Max: 3174 mah
iPhone 13 mini: 2438 mah
iPhone 16: 3561 mah.

Give up on this 13 mini fantasy. You are not going to find a 46% battery capacity in battery size with 1mm thicker, but the same length/with. That’s just physics. If you guys want to turn the iPhone into an all screen rendition of the Nokia 3310 with 2 inches of thickness go ahead but I’ll pass. And considering phones with that thickness is industrial use like FedEx, I doubt a lot of people want that either.


And part of the reason why phones get bigger is because of battery size, people keep demanding more battery. A Z flip 6 or a Razr plus have 4000 mah batteries but they also are much larger phones than the 13 mini at 6.7 inches at full length .

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

5.8 inch was the sweet spot, after that it became an obsession. iPhone air larger than 6.3 is a flop waiting to happen

 

[Lioness~]

My mini will be fine a few more (at least 3-4) years - no worries here.
I certainly don't need new phones more often.
At that time Timmy is gone - it can't be worse for the customers from my perspective.
Who knows what comes at that time in the phone apartment?
I have hopes for next CEO.
I am just buying a new iPad of some sorts probably 2025.
Ah well, Timmy gave me the ASD and Studio, no complaints about that instead of the larger iMac I traded in.

 

[theorist9]

iPhone XS Max: 3174 mah
iPhone 13 mini: 2438 mah
iPhone 16: 3561 mah.

Give up on this 13 mini fantasy. You are not going to find a 46% battery capacity in battery size with 1mm thicker, but the same length/with. That’s just physics. If you guys want to turn the iPhone into an all screen rendition of the Nokia 3310 with 2 inches of thickness go ahead but I’ll pass. And considering phones with that thickness is industrial use like FedEx, I doubt a lot of people want that either.


And part of the reason why phones get bigger is because of battery size, people keep demanding more battery. A Z flip 6 or a Razr plus have 4000 mah batteries but they also are much larger phones than the 13 mini at 6.7 inches at full length .

I wish people who aren't trained in the physical sciences wouldn't say "that's just physics".

You dismissed my post as fantasy thinking. I'll return the favor and dismiss yours as low-quality thinking—particularly for someone who presumes to invoke physics.

1) Let's do a back-of-the-envelope calculation. Based on the photo below, I'd estimate the 13 Mini's battery to have a surface of about 75 mm x 40 mm (by comparison with the length of the phone). And since the Mini's exterior thickness is 7.65 mm, let's estimate the battery's thickness as 6 mm. This gives a volume of about 75 mm x 40 mm x 6 mm =18,000 mm^3.

The exterior height x width of the case is 131.5 mm x 64.2 mm. So if we increase the thickness by 1 mm, and use (as I proposed) the extra volume for a larger battery (which Apple could do, and is certainly capable of doing, by rearranging things, redesigning the aspect ratios of the other components so they are thicker but have a smaller surface area, enabling the battery to have a greater surface area), that gives an extra volume of about 130 mm x 63 mm (subtracting from the exterior dimensions for case thickness) x 1 mm = 8,000 mm^3, for a total of about 18,000 mm^3 + 8,000 mm^3 = 26,000 mm^3. That gives a 26,000/18,000 = 1.44 ⟹ ≈ 40% increase in battery volume.

You can quibble about the details, including the extent to which Apple could rearrange components. But that misses the point of this type of calculation, which is a very effective way to get a ballpark estimate. Besides, it doesn't need to be 1 mm thicker exactly--it could be, say 1.3 mm thicker.

EDIT: Alternate calculation: On https://www.aliexpress.com/i/3256805014678999.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt, I found these dimensions for the iPhone 13 Pro Max battery: 92.5 mm x 67.9 mm x 5.2 mm = 32,660 mm^3. Since it's from the same generation, if we assume capacity is proportional to volume, then we can estimate the 13 Mini's battery volume as 32,660 mm^3 x 2,340 mAH/4,352 mAH ≈17,600 mm^3, which is surprising close to my estimate above.

2) You forget that, with its significantly smaller screen, the Mini doesn't consume as much power as an XS Max or 16, and thus doesn't need as much battery capacity to get the same battery life.

Source:

 

[DENZIE]

Keeping my beloved mini forever. Been with iPhone since the first. Going Android next if apple dont give me another mini - the screen of the mini is already massive enough.

 

[sleeptodream]

I really want a 3.5 inch iPhone with narrow bezels and touchId on the top power button.
2.5 x “Retina display” Oled or thinner. Maybe slightly thick so no rear camera bump. And 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 18 mini Pro. Sapphire glass, Titanium shell. 8gb ram. 1-2tb storage. Only one model. Dark aubergine. Should go two days between charges.

A 3.5” phone with no bezels would be the size of a credit card lol

 

[TydalForce]

I'd pay more for a mini, especially a "mini Pro". Based on the comments here, so would a lot of other folks.
Especially if it does away with the "dynamic island"/notch dead-spots. I don't mind bezels, I don't mind it a little thicker, I just want to be able to operate it with one hand and have it fit comfortably in my pockets

 

[Slash787]

If they can keep the iPad mini so why not the iPhone mini? yes the sales were low but iPhone 14/15 plus sales were very low too.

At least release a mini phone once in 3 years. The other phones are too big for me. I assume the iPhone 20 would be big as the iPad.

 

[TydalForce]

Apple has a Feedback form on their website

Feedback - iPhone

Apple wants to hear from you. Send us your comments and feedback about iPhone.

www.apple.com

Those of you (us) also pining for a new mini perhaps could also fill it out

 

[Lioness~]

Apple has a Feedback form on their website

Feedback - iPhone

Apple wants to hear from you. Send us your comments and feedback about iPhone.

www.apple.com

Those of you (us) also pining for a new mini perhaps could also fill it out

Done.

 

[tizeye]

Size bloat continues and people are stuck with the designer's warped self-serving vision.

 

[antonrg]

iPhone 13 Mini sales were about 3% of all iPhone 13 sales, so too low for them to keep offering it annually. But they might want to consider offering it every, say, three years to meet pent-up demand for a smaller phone.

Its main downside was battery life, but that could be easily addressed without affecting its ease of holding and pocket-ability by making it just a mm thicker (allowing more battery volume). The added thickness would also help with the camera quality.

This! I am of the same opinion. I think they should do this. I don't mind having the small phone for 3-4 years, no problem for me. What I hate is having no option at all. I am going to use the 13 mini to the max. If I have to change the battery, I will, no issues. It's been a fantastic phone for me anyway.

As for them putting a better battery in, perhaps as the chips evolve, that could be more attainable.
At least that's what I hope they do because there is no way I am buying anything bigger than 5,8" for a phone. Even the 6" is a stretch.

 

[we8me]

This year, Apple tweaked iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes to make them bigger than 2023's iPhone 15 Pro models, and next year we are also expecting a change in the size of the displays in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here's what we know.

Standard iPhone 17

Apple could introduce a new display size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 could measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches, which would make it the same size as the current iPhone 16 Pro. At 6.3 inches, it would be in between the size of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. However, next year there may be only one non-Pro model in Apple's lineup (see below).

iPhone 17 Plus – iPhone 17 Air

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to eliminate the Plus model in 2025 due to subpar sales and replace it with a slimmed down iPhone 17 that could come with an "iPhone Air" moniker. While the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to fall somewhere between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in size. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but larger than the 17 Pro.

iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max

Apple is currently not expected to change the size of its Pro models next year, having already tweaked them this year in the iPhone 16 series. That means the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should measure roughly 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. However, according to The Information, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have "significant design changes" that go beyond display size. These changes are said to include the use of aluminum for the frame instead of titanium, a half-aluminum, half-glass backing rather than an all-glass back, and a rectangular camera bump.

iPhone 16 Models (2024)	iPhone 17 Models (2025)
iPhone 16: 6.1 inches	iPhone 17: 6.3 inches
iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches	iPhone 17 Air: 6.5-6.6 inches
iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches	iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches	iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

New Display Technology

120Hz ProMotion Across the Lineup
Apple intends to expand ProMotion to all iPhone models in 2025, allowing all models to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Previously, only "Pro" models in Apple's iPhone lineup have had the feature. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 "Air" to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.

More Power-Efficient Screens
A recent unconfirmed rumor suggests that Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models may feature a new display technology known as Low-Dielectric TEE (Transmission Electrically Enhanced). The term likely refers to the use of materials with a low dielectric constant in the display's thin-film encapsulation (TFE). While it's not yet clear what this specific innovation offers, incorporating low-dielectric materials can in general reduce signal interference and energy loss, leading to more efficient power usage and potentially longer battery life.

Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Display
The iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to one rumor. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 is said to have a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" that is "more scratch-resistant." It's not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning's latest technology matches the rumor. That said, it's worth keeping in mind that the new iPhone 16 Pro models have the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has an advanced formulation that is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone, according to Apple.

Smaller Dynamic Island
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a significantly narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to the device's adoption of a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system, claims Haitong's Jeff Pu. While a traditional iPhone camera has curved lenses that redirect light towards the image sensor, a metalens is a thin and flat lens with microscopic patterns etched onto it that can focus light more precisely. Assuming this results in a narrowed Dynamic Island, it would be the first time that Apple has changed the feature since it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.

iPhone Models Past: Notable Size Changes
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Article Link: iPhone Sizes Change Next Year: What to Know

I don't want bigger!! I think the size of the iPhone 13 mini is perfect. Just keep that form factor and improve the camera/processor. I mainly use my phone for communication. I don't need a big screen. If I want a big screen, I'll use my iPad or Mac. I want my phone super lightweight and portable. Just like the original iPhone. Steve Jobs knew what mattered.

 

[Ramchi]

Aluminium for Pro Max, NO! I will stick with my 15 PM! I liked my iPhone 12 Pro Max Stainless Steel! Aluminium ones are easily bendable like my iPhone 6 Plus etc…Not ready to pay huge money for the aluminium body!

 

[Toutou]

Probably mini folks will grow to accept 6.3 inch is the small phone, lol.

Yeah, no. No matter how much I try to hype them up for big phones, my small hands are still refusing to grow.

Everything larger than my 13 Mini has always been to big, and will continue to be too big for me. There’s nothing I can do about it. No marketing, pricing strategies or better features on big phones can do anything about it.

 

[svish]

At 6.3 inches, the base iPhone 17 should be good along with the rumored 120Hz display. The 17 Air should be a nice device with a bigger screen and overall slim design. Interesting choices for next year.

 

[DarthDon]

I don't understand the whole thing. IPhone Air doesn't fit into the concept at all. I rather believe that normal Iphone and the Plus will be replaced by the Air.

 

[virgin71]

Ohh, dear Apple, bring a new mini for the geeks, please!

 

[SFjohn]

I’m looking forward to the new iPhone 17 Pro Max to replace my iPhone 13 Pro Max. I’ll have to find a nice leather case for it… 😉

 

[Electroni]

Apple - please stop making the smaller iPhone variants bigger! I have been a long-time Android phone user and am at the point where I am looking at getting a new phone. Given the improvements to iOS in the last few years I was considering switching over to an iPhone (have used iPads as my main non-work computing device for over a decade and currently own a couple iPads, including an M4 Pro).

I’ve decided against switching over to an iPhone though as the latest iPhone Pro has simply gotten too large to use comfortably single-handed. I will probably end up with the Samsung Galaxy S25 that’s supposed to come out next month… with size being a major deciding factor (rumored S25 specs are less than 70.5mm wide and under 7.3mm thick).

 

[arobert3434]

I might as well just plan on switching from my 13 mini to an iPad cellular when I can't keep the mini going any longer. Will save the expense of one device at least.

 

[Downundermac]

Happy with my 14 Pro 256gb. Excellent device. I’ll upgrade when the battery life and camera features are significantly improved in newer models. I keep phones as long as possible, so when upgrading always wait a few months to make sure it’s not a dud model/year (the ‘S’ models used to be a no brainer).