On August 15, technology media outlet ximitime published a report on August 14 suggesting that Xiaomi may launch the Xiaomi 18 series in two phases, based on device model numbers, software code and other clues.
According to the report, which was also cited by IT Home, Xiaomi is expected to introduce four models in the Xiaomi 18 series:
| Model | Estimated Codename | Expected Release | Model Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 18 Pro Max | madrid | September 2026 | 2611 |
| Xiaomi 18 Pro | hongkong | September 2026 | 2609 |
| Xiaomi 18 | venice | Delayed, possibly early 2027 | 2612 |
| Xiaomi 18 Fold | lhasa | September 2026 | — |
The source claims that the madrid codename, believed to belong to the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, first appeared in Mi Code in December 2025. In comparison, the venice codename, reportedly associated with the standard Xiaomi 18, did not appear until March 2026.
In addition, the standard Xiaomi 18 reportedly carries the suffix number “2612,” which could indicate a release timeline around December 2026 or later. These clues have led the source to speculate that Xiaomi may postpone the launch of the standard Xiaomi 18 until early 2027, while the Pro models and the foldable version could arrive in September 2026.
“MiaoXiang Rear Display” Reportedly Exclusive to Pro Models
The report also claims that Xiaomi’s so-called “MiaoXiang rear display” will be an exclusive feature for the Pro models.
Both the Xiaomi 18 Pro, codenamed hongkong, and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, codenamed madrid, are reportedly expected to feature the secondary rear display.
However, current information suggests that the standard Xiaomi 18, codenamed venice, will not include this feature.
If accurate, Xiaomi could use the rear display as a major differentiating feature between the standard and Pro models, particularly as manufacturers increasingly experiment with secondary displays and more versatile rear camera modules.
Rumored Xiaomi 18 Series Specifications
According to the source, all four Xiaomi 18 series models are expected to run HyperOS 4 and introduce expanded AI capabilities. The following specifications remain unconfirmed rumors:
- Xiaomi 18 Fold: Expected to feature a 7.6-inch foldable display, an XRING O3 chipset, a 200MP main camera, approximately 6,000mAh battery, 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Xiaomi 18: Reportedly powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor and equipped with a 200MP camera sensor, along with a rumored 7,200mAh battery.
- Xiaomi 18 Pro: Expected to use a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-series chipset and feature a 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera and 200MP telephoto camera. It is also rumored to pack a battery of around 7,000mAh.
- Xiaomi 18 Pro Max: Reportedly equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, a 200MP LOFIC HDR main camera, 200MP telephoto camera and 50MP ultrawide camera. The device is also said to feature extremely narrow bezels and an approximately 8,500mAh battery.
Xiaomi 18 Series Could Mark a Major Hardware Upgrade
If these rumors prove accurate, the Xiaomi 18 series could represent a substantial upgrade over the company’s current flagship lineup, particularly in terms of battery capacity and camera hardware.
The reported 8,500mAh battery on the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max would be particularly notable for a flagship smartphone, while the 7,200mAh battery rumored for the standard Xiaomi 18 would also be significantly larger than batteries traditionally found in compact flagship devices.
However, it is important to note that none of these specifications or release plans have been officially confirmed by Xiaomi. The information is based on code discoveries, device identifiers and industry leaks, so the final product lineup, specifications and launch schedule could still change.
For now, the most interesting possibility is Xiaomi’s rumored decision to split the Xiaomi 18 launch into two stages, with the Pro models and Xiaomi 18 Fold potentially arriving in September 2026, while the standard Xiaomi 18 could reportedly be pushed back to early 2027.