Why Apple is ENDING this iPhone

Summary

Apple's iPhone lineup evolution is highlighted, from the introduction of the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014 to the rumored discontinuation of the 'Plus' model in 2025. The script discusses the success of larger iPhones, the short-lived iPhone 12 mini, and the potential replacement of the Plus with a rumored 'iPhone 17 Slim' or 'Ultra', which is speculated to be the most expensive and premium offering, featuring a thinner design and advanced technology, possibly positioned above the Pro Max in Apple's lineup.

Takeaways

• 📱 The iPhone 15 Plus is part of Apple's flagship lineup, following the trend of bigger iPhones that started with the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014.
• 📈 The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were best sellers, with over 222 million units sold, making them some of the most owned phones at the time.
• 🔄 Apple experimented with different iPhone sizes, introducing the smaller iPhone 12 mini, which was later discontinued due to poor sales.
• 🔋 The iPhone 14 Plus was introduced as a replacement for the mini, offering better battery life, a feature the mini lacked.
• 📉 The iPhone 14 and 15 Plus models reportedly did not sell well, similar to the fate of the mini, suggesting a preference for other models.
• 💰 The iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently Apple's most expensive and best-selling model, indicating a market preference for high-end features.
• 🛍️ Apple's iPhone lineup has become complex with seven different models, which might be confusing for consumers.
• 📉 The rumored discontinuation of the Plus model for the iPhone 17 could be due to poor sales and a desire to streamline the product line.
• 📲 The iPhone 17 is expected to introduce a 'Slim' model, emphasizing a thinner design, which is part of a broader initiative across Apple's products.
• 💡 The 'Slim' model might be positioned at the top of the iPhone lineup, priced higher than the Pro Max, indicating a premium focus on thinness and features.
• 🔝 The potential naming of the new top-tier model as 'iPhone 17 Ultra' suggests a new flagship within the iPhone lineup, possibly offering advanced technology.

Q & A

What was the first 'Plus' iPhone introduced by Apple, and how successful was it?

The first 'Plus' iPhone was introduced in 2014 with the iPhone 6 Plus. It was part of the iPhone 6 lineup and became the best-selling iPhones of all time, selling over 222 million units.

Why did Apple decide to go back to making smaller iPhones with the iPhone 12 mini?

Apple went back to making smaller iPhones with the iPhone 12 mini to cater to the market segment that preferred smaller phones despite the trend towards larger devices.

Why did the iPhone 12 mini not sell well despite its flagship specs in a compact design?

The iPhone 12 mini did not sell well because it lacked the best battery life compared to its larger counterparts, which was a significant drawback for many consumers.

What was the iPhone model that replaced the iPhone 12 mini in Apple's lineup?

The iPhone 12 mini was replaced by the iPhone 14 Plus in Apple's lineup, which offered better battery life and continued to be sold with the iPhone 15 Plus.

What is the rumored name for the new model that will replace the 'Plus' model in the iPhone 17 lineup?

The rumored name for the new model that will replace the 'Plus' model in the iPhone 17 lineup is the 'iPhone 17 Slim' or possibly the 'iPhone 17 Ultra'.

What is the main reason behind Apple's decision to discontinue the 'Plus' model in the iPhone 17 lineup?

The main reason behind discontinuing the 'Plus' model is its poor sales performance compared to other models in its respective lineups, similar to the issue faced by the iPhone 12 mini.

Why is the iPhone 15 Pro Max the best-selling iPhone despite being the most expensive?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best-selling iPhone because consumers may value the perception of owning the top-of-the-line model, which offers the best features and technology.

What is Apple's new initiative regarding the design of their products, including the rumored iPhone 17 Slim?

Apple's new initiative is to make all their products thinner, including the rumored iPhone 17 Slim, which will feature a much thinner design than any other iPhone yet.

How does the introduction of the rumored iPhone 17 Ultra model fit into Apple's strategy to upsell customers?

The introduction of the iPhone 17 Ultra model is part of Apple's strategy to upsell customers by offering a premium, high-priced option that is positioned just above the Pro Max in their lineup.

What was the strategy behind Apple's pricing of the iPhone Plus models relative to the Pro models?

Apple's strategy was to price the Plus models just slightly below the Pro models, offering a larger screen and better battery life for only $100 more, to encourage customers to opt for the more expensive Pro models with additional features.

How does the rumored iPhone 17 Ultra model differ from the previous Plus models in terms of positioning within the iPhone lineup?

The rumored iPhone 17 Ultra model is expected to be positioned at the top of the iPhone lineup, priced higher than the Pro Max, and offering a premium, thin design rather than being the largest model.