And really "every other generation" would be pretty nice too. An actually small phone, actually supported for a few years (included in the guidelines for app writers and to remind web page designers that this exists). We could live with "every other generation".
That would be better than "Eh, we don't believe in it anyway" kind of reluctance.
I'd be happy with a new mini even every third generation. My 12 mini is still great except for the battery life (even after getting a new battery less than a year ago).
That would be better than "Eh, we don't believe in it anyway" kind of reluctance.