Don't be surprised if Apple launches three iPhone 13 models instead of four, as reportedly poor sales of the iPhone 12 mini make an iPhone 13 mini less likely.

According to a new report from Reuters, citing data from data provider Counterproint, Apple's iPhone 12 mini sales in the US were "just 5% of sales of all new models in the first half of January."

More recently, it was reported that Apple will end production of the iPhone 12 Mini at the end of Q2 due to limited demand. It is unclear if this is a temporary halt. Overall, however, this news is worrisome for the future of Apple's most compact phone.

While most other phones, including the rest of the iPhone 12 series, have increased in size over the past few years, the iPhone 12 mini takes a rare step in the opposite direction. It is a flagship-level 5G phone that fits easily in a pocket or can be used with one hand.

However, that uniqueness does not seem to translate into sales: according to Counterpoint, sales of phones with screen sizes under 6 inches currently account for only 10% of all smartphones sold.

The iPhone 12 mini also occupies an odd position in the iPhone lineup, priced at $699. This is $100 less than the $799 iPhone 12, but $300 more than the $399 iPhone SE. In other words, to choose the iPhone 12 Mini over the other two models, customers would have to fall in love with the iPhone 12 Mini's size, which, according to the report, does not appear to be happening.

The rumors we have heard so far suggest that the iPhone 13 (or iPhone 12S) will not significantly shake up the current iPhone 12 formula. This includes maintaining the four model options of 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch. However, Apple seems to have discontinued production of the iPhone 12 mini so early, will we really see the iPhone 13 mini this September?

The iPhone 13 mini is specifically said to receive some significant upgrades this year, including the LiDAR sensor from the iPhone 12 Pro. However, plans are not set in stone, and if Apple has completely lost faith in the mini iPhone, perhaps only three models will be released in fall 2021.

The only thing Apple could do to push users to the iPhone 13 mini seems to be to discontinue the iPhone SE, although the SE is the cheapest way to access iOS these days and has a relatively new A13 chipset for 2019, Still, it is an old-fashioned design with large bezels and could really use an overhaul.

We'll have to wait for more details on what's going on with the iPhone 13 lineup. Losing one of the best small phones you can buy is a great shame, but we can't expect Apple to keep the phone around if it's not making money.