Xiaomi Could Skip the “19” and Go Straight to the Xiaomi 20 Series

Friday, 24 October 2025 at 11:33

Xiaomi might once again take an unexpected turn in its naming strategy. According to new reports, the company could jump directly from the Xiaomi 18 lineup to the Xiaomi 20, skipping “19” altogether.

At first glance, it sounds like a small detail. But in the smartphone world, naming often carries symbolic weight — and Xiaomi seems to be playing the long game here.

Following Apple’s Lead — Or Setting Its Own Path?

The move would echo Apple’s rumored plan to bypass the iPhone 19 and release the iPhone 20 in 2027 to mark two decades of iPhone history.

It wouldn’t be the first time Xiaomi aligned itself — intentionally or not — with Apple’s branding rhythm. The company already used the “Pro Max” moniker with the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, mirroring Apple’s high-end tier.

To be fair, Xiaomi has been gradually positioning itself as Apple’s most credible global rival, especially after the Xiaomi 17 series shattered sales records and challenged the iPhone’s dominance in several Asian markets.

The good old Redmi Turbo 4

Why Skip “19”?

Skipping a number isn’t a cultural taboo issue this time — it’s a marketing decision.

There’s no superstition tied to 19 in China, unlike the number 4, which is often avoided. Instead, Xiaomi’s reasoning seems rooted in brand synchronization.

By going straight to “20,” Xiaomi can align its flagship cycle with Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone series, ensuring a natural comparison in the public eye. Imagine reviewers in 2027 putting “Xiaomi 20 vs iPhone 20” in their headlines — that’s brand psychology at work.

It’s a subtle way to signal parity: Xiaomi no longer chases Apple’s legacy — it competes head-on.

A Symbolic Step for Xiaomi’s Second Decade

The timing also makes sense.

By 2027, Xiaomi will enter its third decade as a tech company, following a decade of explosive global expansion and premium positioning. Skipping “19” could represent a clean break — a declaration that Xiaomi’s next generation of phones marks something entirely new.

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If leaks prove accurate, the Xiaomi 20 series could launch with HyperOS 5, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 7 chipset, and next-generation AI-enhanced camera systems — a package designed to rival anything on the market.

The Bigger Picture

In the end, whether this is a strategic alignment or clever coincidence, the move fits Xiaomi’s broader pattern of narrative marketing — using symbolism, timing, and naming to craft a perception of leadership.

And frankly, it’s working. Xiaomi’s premium image has never been stronger, especially outside China.

If “Xiaomi 20” does arrive in 2027, it won’t just be a name — it’ll be a statement.

Key Takeaways

Xiaomi may skip the Xiaomi 19 and go straight to the Xiaomi 20 series.
The decision could align with Apple’s rumored iPhone 20 anniversary launch in 2027.
There’s no cultural reason to skip “19” — it’s likely a marketing strategy.
The Xiaomi 17 series already proved the brand’s global competitiveness.
The Xiaomi 20 lineup could debut HyperOS 5 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 7.