It's expected that Apple is going to announce four iPhone 12 models this year, and one of them could be the first iPhone to carry the "mini" moniker.
Leaks have come out this week that suggest that the smallest iPhone 12 model will be called the "iPhone 12 mini". Twitter user DuanRui (via MacRumors) posted an image that purportedly shows stickers that would appear on the packaging for Apple's iPhone 12 silicone cases, and they include three models: the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 / 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The stickers originated from Apple's international distribution system in Ireland. We can also see that the iPhone 12 / 12 Pro sticker has the model number MHL73ZM/A while the iPhone 12 Pro Max sticker has the model number MHLG3ZM/A, both of which are new.
Meanwhile, leaker L0vetodream posted a list of the four iPhone 12 model names this week, and it includes "12 mini" as well. The full list includes 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max.
Apple has released "mini" devices in the past, like the Mac mini and iPad mini, so this wouldn't be the very first "mini" product ever. It would be the first iPhone to get the "mini" designation, though, and that name could make sense for the smallest iPhone 12 model. It's the smallest in the iPhone 12 lineup and it would be a good, quick way to let consumers know that fact.
It's expected that Apple will unveil its iPhone 12 lineup at an event in October.