> Is it really that expensive to maintain a more niche line for each generation?
Think of just the work that goes into having an assembly line customized for a specific form factor. To keep price, quality, and profit in line with their other phones I think the answer here is clearly yes.
>>Skunkl+(OP)
Especially if having that line means only 1% more customers and 19% customers that just buy the small model instead of the other model. And unless you are launching the Mini Pro Max Ultra X you are losing money on that 9% of customers that would have bought the higher margin phone but instead bought the mini version which is only available at the more base model.
>>kevinc+Xd
I fall into that category. My first choice would be an iphone pro mini. My second choice is an iphone pro max. I refuse to explain my preferences.