Xiaomi 18 Fold has received its clearest reveal ahead of its expected launch in China. Tipster Ice Universe shared footage on X claiming to show the upcoming foldable smartphone.
Xiaomi has since revealed the device’s design and confirmed a September 7 launch in China. The timing places Xiaomi’s announcement two days before Apple’s reported September 9 event.
Apple is widely expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone at that event. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the reported foldable device or its specifications.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Features a Wider Design
The Xiaomi 18 Fold moves away from the taller design used by earlier Mix Fold models. Instead, Xiaomi has adopted a shorter and wider foldable format.
The company describes the new form factor as a “mid-fold” design. When closed, the device features a 5.38-inch cover display.
Opening the phone reveals a larger 7.58-inch internal display. Released footage shows a red version with narrow bezels and a horizontal rear camera module.
The module includes three cameras and an LED flash. Xiaomi has also confirmed its camera partnership with Leica.
Xiaomi 18 Fold vs Apple’s Expected Foldable
Apple’s reported foldable could use a similar wide-screen design. Reports suggest Apple’s device may feature a 5.5-inch external screen and 7.8-inch internal display.
These specifications would make Apple’s reported screens slightly larger than Xiaomi’s displays. However, Apple’s specifications remain unofficial until the company formally announces the device.
Xiaomi Introduces New XRING O3 Chip
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is also expected to bring major hardware changes. Xiaomi says the device will be powered by its new 3nm XRING O3 processor.
It will also use LPDDR6 memory supplied by Chinese memory manufacturer CXMT. The smartphone will run HyperOS 4 and use Xiaomi’s MiMo AI model locally.
Apple’s foldable is reportedly expected to feature a Pro-class processor and an in-house modem. Reports have pointed toward an A20 Pro processor and C2 modem. However, Apple has not confirmed these details.
Leica Triple Camera System Expected
Photography could become another important area of competition between the two devices. Xiaomi has confirmed a triple-camera system developed in partnership with Leica.
Leaks suggest it could include a main camera, ultrawide sensor, and 3.5x periscope telephoto camera. However, Xiaomi has not officially confirmed all the reported camera specifications.
Apple’s foldable is reportedly expected to feature a 48-megapixel main camera and an ultrawide camera. Reports suggest it may not include a dedicated telephoto camera.
Actual camera performance will only become clear after the devices become available for testing.
Apple Reportedly Focuses on Hinge and Software
Apple is reportedly working on durability and software features designed specifically for a foldable device. The reported device could feature a durable hinge designed to minimize the visible display crease.
Its software may also support side-by-side applications and drag-and-drop features on the unfolded display. Apple’s foldable is expected to cost more than $2,000, although official pricing remains unavailable.
Xiaomi has also not announced the price of its upcoming foldable.
With Xiaomi’s launch scheduled for September 7, attention is now turning toward the two upcoming announcements.
In other news read more about: Google Upgrades Gemini Omni With 4K Video and Longer Scenes
If current reports prove accurate, Xiaomi and Apple could soon compete with similarly proportioned wide-screen foldable smartphones.
