Foldable smartphones are gaining momentum as more major brands enter the expanding market with new designs.
Xiaomi is now preparing to launch its latest foldable, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, in China on September 7. The launch will come just two days before Apple’s planned September 9 unveiling of its first foldable.
Xiaomi’s new device also features a design similar to Apple’s expected foldable, making the timing particularly interesting.
However, Xiaomi already has experience in the foldable market, while the upcoming device would mark Apple’s first entry.
Samsung has also strengthened the segment with its Galaxy Z Fold 8, while HUAWEI has made an impact with wide-screen foldables.
Xiaomi 18 Fold gets a distinctive design
Xiaomi mobile division president Lu Weibing shared official images of the Xiaomi 18 Fold on Weibo.
The images confirmed the device’s September 7 launch date in China.
Xiaomi describes the new smartphone as a “mid-fold” device that sits between book-style and flip-style foldables.
The phone features a 5.38-inch external display alongside a larger 7.58-inch internal screen.
It will also arrive in a bold red finish, giving the device a distinctive appearance.
On the rear, Xiaomi has fitted a prominent camera island featuring three cameras.
The camera setup gives the phone a notable presence compared with many other wide folding smartphones.
New XRing O3 chip confirmed
Xiaomi has also confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Fold will launch with its new XRing O3 SoC.
The company has not yet revealed every detail about the device, leaving several questions unanswered ahead of launch.
Meanwhile, additional specifications have emerged through information shared by leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo.
Those details remain unconfirmed, so they should be treated cautiously until Xiaomi officially reveals the phone.
Leica camera system could add another advantage
According to the leaked information, the Xiaomi 18 Fold could feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
The device may also include a Leica Summilux triple-camera system, according to the same unconfirmed details.
The reported setup includes an f/1.7 main camera and an f/2.8 telephoto camera.
The telephoto lens is also said to offer 3.5x optical zoom.
Additionally, the reported camera system could include a 17mm ultrawide lens.
These specifications have not yet received official confirmation from Xiaomi.
Will Xiaomi 18 Fold launch globally?
For now, Xiaomi has confirmed the Xiaomi 18 Fold for the Chinese market. It remains unclear whether the company plans to release the device internationally.
If Xiaomi eventually launches the foldable globally, its price could become another major consideration for buyers.
The company is expected to reveal more information when the Xiaomi 18 Fold officially launches on September 7.
With Apple also preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, Xiaomi’s timing could make the upcoming launch especially significant.
For foldable phone enthusiasts, the growing competition means more designs and choices are now entering the market.
