iPhone X Mini: Will Apple Reconsider Rumored iPhone Project Following Demand for Cheaper Devices?

Shortly after the release of iPhone X, there were rumors that Apple was working on a secret project that could have led to the launch of the so-called iPhone X Mini. It was also believed to be Apple’s response to tech fans who have been requesting for an iPhone SE 2.

Obviously, the rumored device never panned out. However, some tech fans are once again hoping that Apple might consider revisiting their supposed iPhone X Mini plans following reports that there has been a higher demand for cheaper smartphones. Apple Insider reports that UBS changed its predictions and estimated that, by mid-2019, there shall be an increase in the number of iPhone units Apple will sell.

From the original estimated 32.5 million units, UBS now eyes 34.5 million iPhones to be sold in the June-quarter. However, the firm attributes this boost to the older iPhone models released before 2018 that technically includes the iPhone SE. This entry-level Apple smartphone first came out in 2016 and was discontinued around two years later. However, clearly, there is still ample demand for it.

In fact, Apple started selling again new iPhone SE units in mid-February. The supposed iPhone X Mini predecessor was reportedly back in stores for only a limited time and priced at $249. However, CNET reported on Thursday that the iPhone SE is available once more in both 32GB and 128GB variants, with the latter costing $299 — still $150 discount from its original 2016 price tag.

There are still hopes that Apple will announce an iPhone SE 2 in 2019. However, it is also important to note that Apple had already released a “budget” smartphone in 2018 in the name of iPhone XR. If Apple fans would look at it, iPhone XR is somewhat like an iPhone X Mini — though, its dimensions are not as small as what was shown in leaked CAD images that previously circulated.