(Reuters) – Apple Inc’s US sales of the iPhone 12 mini were just 5% of total sales of its new phones in the first half of January, industry data provider Counterpoint said Tuesday, adding to signs of a muffled demand for the new smaller version of its flagship device.
Smartphone users have switched to larger devices in recent years as they devour more video content along the way and binge on visually rich social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Snapchat.
Graphics card: Worldwide share of smartphones with small screens declines steadily –
JP Morgan analyst William Yang said in a note last week that weak demand for the smaller iPhone 12 and 12 mini could cause Apple to discontinue production of the mini in the second quarter.
“The product mix adjustment is well expected by investors and should not come as a negative surprise,” added Yang.
Apple was not immediately available for comment.
The company launched a smaller variant of the iPhone 12 model last year, but demand for the smaller smartphones appears to be weaker compared to the high-end iPhone 12 Pros and the older iPhone 11s.
“This is in line with what we see in the broader global market, where screens below 6.0” now account for about 10% of all smartphones sold, “added Kang.
Apple shipped its iPhone 12 lineup a few weeks later than usual last year, but a wider range of models and a new look took advantage of pent-up demand for upgrades, especially in China.
Last month, the Cupertino, California-based company reported $ 65.60 billion in quarterly revenues from its iPhones business, beating a record set three years ago.
Graphics: Apple’s iPhone company raking in record sales – here
Reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila