Apple's Rumoured 'iPhone Mini' Excites Indian Loyalists Ahead of Speculated 13 October Launch

It appears Apple is all set to expands its 12-million user base in the world’s second largest smartphone market, India in 2020.

Just days after India got its first online Apple store, speculation is running high that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant is about to release its next lineup of iPhones ahead of the festive season.

This year Apple is expected to launch a special “iPhone Mini” device for users like Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet who are still hung up on the compact size of the iPhone 5 that came out in 2012.

The cheaper, tinier iPhone Mini is reportedly set to come with a 5.4-inch screen, which as opposed to bigger devices would be easier to use and carry.

Iphone 12 mini concept! pic.twitter.com/uCSKtE0uLx

— Senopatikusumo (@snptksm) September 28, 2020

​The news has excited Apple loyalists in India who are eagerly awaiting the iPhone Mini, which will reportedly cost around $699 (INR 51,000) for consumers.

When's iPhone 12 mini launching in India

— Lilly (@lillyvgp) September 28, 2020

iphone 12 mini seems cute🥺

— shawn. (@kusukaraddler) September 29, 2020​

Wanna upgrade from 5S. റിച്ച് ആൻഡ് മീ ? pic.twitter.com/UCMBkSEvGf

— Lilly (@lillyvgp) September 28, 2020

​Although Apple is yet to confirm the date of the release, media speculation has pegged 13 October as when the tech giant is expected to finally showcase its delayed iPhone 12 lineup. The 12th series of 5G-enabled iPhone will bring along two Pro models in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes along with a less expensive non-pro variant.

The starting price of the highest end model of the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro model is expected to be an outlandish $1,099 (INR 81,000).

iphone 12 mini seems nice ✨👄✨ pic.twitter.com/2JgGcJl0SA

— 𝖍 𝖆 𝖗 𝖚 🍒 | final exam is coming !! (@slurpiisoba) September 27, 2020

​Now that Apple is ramping up manufacturing in the country, the "Made in India" models of the iPhone 12 series are poised to hit the shelves in 2021. Their production is expected to begin at Winstron’s Narasapura plant in Bengaluru.

The iPhone devices made in India are likely to cost less for Indians when they release next year.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the smartphone market in India saw its highest-ever second quarter shipment of 36.9 million units in 2019, with a 9.9 percent year-on-year (YoY) and 14.8 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth.

Apple logged 71 percent growth in the first quarter of 2020.