iPhone mini size: Just how small will it be?

Iphone 12 Design Leak
Iphone 12 Design Leak (Image credit: EverythingApplePro)

In the coming weeks, Apple's likely to introduce a 6.7-inch iPhone. The long-rumored "iPhone 12 Pro Max" would be the largest Apple handset to date and continue the company's decade long pattern of slowly increasing the size of its top-selling product. In a year unlike any other, however, the smallest iPhone released in many years could ultimately be the top-selling smartphone of the year.

For months, even after COVID-19 disrupted the world, the Apple rumor mill for 2020 has been consistent. Barring a last-minute change, Apple's expected to reveal four new "iPhone 12" models this year. These should include a 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro. It's the first of these that was recently termed the "iPhone mini," although no one seriously thinks this will be the handset's actual name.

Phone 12 (2020): Rumors, release date, price, features, and more

At 5.4-inches diagonally across, it makes sense to assume the iPhone mini size would dwarf the 4.7-inch second-generation iPhone SE released earlier this year. That isn't correct, however. The newer model is expected to ditch the Home button and feature a nearly bezel-less design. Therefore, it's overall device size will be smaller.

On device size alone, this is how the 5.4-inch iPhone might compare to other iPhone models over the years:

iPhone comparisons

iPhone comparisons (Image credit: iMore)

As you can see, the new iPhone is likely to be the smallest Apple handset since at least the iPhone 5 launched in 2012. Whether that's small or large is a matter of preference, of course. When you compare the model to the ones also expected to be announced soon (plus the iPhone SE), the size differences are clearer:

iPhone comparison 2020

iPhone comparison 2020 (Image credit: iMore)

For those unhappy with Apple's push towards larger iPhones in recent years, the incoming 5.4-inch iPhone could find many buyers. Coupled with these uncertain economic times, it becomes clear this could be the model we're all talking about before long.

We should know soon enough. Apple's likely to announce the 2020 iPhone lineup this month or next. Stay tuned.

Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.