Experiments are Experiences
Over the years, I have documented some (but not all) of my experiments. Every experiment may not have been a success, but every experiment was exciting at first. It was something new I was doing. It was something out of the ordinary, something out of the daily grind of life.
Most importantly, along the way, I discover things about myself, about my preferences, about my thoughts, and about how all of the above could change depending on the circumstances and my personal situation.
Experiments can also nudge us out of our comfort zones. For example, I was so into the Apple ecosystem that I could never see myself even exploring anything else. However, attempting to explore other options was eye-opening. It was not all roses but there were things I preferred, and there were things I missed.
Life is like that too. Its never truly black and white. There is a mountain of grey in between and usually, in this mountain, one truly finds themselves. Its also a whole lot of fun.
In July 2025, I bought a refurbished iPhone 13 Mini. The idea at the time was that I really missed having a small phone. Honestly, looking back, at the time, I liked the idea of having a small phone but not the practicalities of living with one. Anyway, I essentially moved it to be my night phone so it stayed by my bedside and my actual phone(s) was left in my study. The separation did wonders because I installed a NextDNS profile on the iPhone Mini which basically blocked all non essential sites (e.g. mastodon, reddit, twitter, etc). Its primary job was audiobooks, meditation (headspace and Calm), control smart devices etc. Solved my nighttime doomscrolling problem 😸
A few weeks ago, Apple launched iOS 27 and at the time it hit me, my iPhone 13 Mini's days are numbered. It is unlikely to keep getting future updates and if so, its likely to slow the iPhone further.
iOS 27 was different in the sense that it actually improved the performance of my 13 mini. I am on Developer Beta 2 so not going to say much more other than its performs and lasts longer than it did on iOS 26. To the extent that after a couple of days, I stopped using my iPhone Air and transferred my primary number from the iPhone Air to the 13 Mini. It has been really nice.
The iPhone 13 Mini is not a better iPhone than the iPhone Air. However, I want to experience living with a small phone and I feel like as the months and years go by, this option is going to fade away. Today, no major mobile manufacturer makes a small phone. I still want to experience living with one.
Did I say, it has been really nice. It really has been. I am thinking of expanding this experiment. I want to stop using my Pixel 10 Pro Fold and switch to using the iPad Mini as well.
Apple undoubtedly will release its first foldable. I want to explore the idea of carrying a small phone and a small iPad as my everyday carry.
Most people believe, its always better to pay for experiences rather than material objects. This is the justification for paying for a hot balloon ride or skydiving, etc. For me, the experiments I undertake are my experiences. It is what I prefer.
Anyway, dear reader, I will keep you updated.