Xiaomi teases Fold 18 Pro with wider foldable design and in-house chip
Xiaomi previewed its Fold 18 Pro at IFA 2026, a passport-style foldable with a wider aspect ratio than Samsung's latest. The company withheld specifications, promising details on September 7. The device features a Leica-branded camera and Xiaomi's own XRING 03 chip.
The Fold 18 Pro marks Xiaomi's second major IFA push into the book-style foldable market, following the trend set by Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. Its passport-style silhouette, with a notably wider front and inner display ratio, suggests Xiaomi is betting on a more traditional phone feel when closed, rather than the tall, narrow approach some rivals use. The device is shown in a striking supercar red, though press and attendees were barred from handling it.
The XRING 03 system-on-chip represents a significant shift for Xiaomi, moving away from Qualcomm or MediaTek processors. The company describes it as a "Flagship AI SoC," integrating CPU, GPU, NPU, and AI components. Full specifications remain under wraps until September 7, when the device launches in China. Separately, Xiaomi confirmed its electric vehicles will expand into European markets.
This launch could reshape the premium foldable market by offering a wider form factor that may appeal to users who found earlier foldables too narrow. Xiaomi's move to an in-house chip may also pressure competitors to diversify their silicon supply chains, potentially lowering device costs over time. Consumers could benefit from more choice in foldable designs and pricing, though the impact will depend on how the XRING 03 performs in real-world use and whether the wider aspect ratio gains mainstream acceptance.