Xiaomi's Next Foldable Is in the Works — and It's Getting the Xring O3 Chip

Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 00:25

Xiaomi skipped the horizontally foldable segment entirely in 2025. That absence was deliberate — a cancelled prototype, internally codenamed "nirvana," was shelved before it ever reached consumers. Now, a new device has surfaced in Mi Code's database, and the chipset reference attached to it is the most interesting part of the story.

Summary

Q18 in Mi Code: A device carrying the internal designation Q18 and model number 2608BPX34C has appeared in Xiaomi's Mi Code database, strongly suggesting a return to the book-style foldable format.
Xring O3 onboard: The listing references Xiaomi's upcoming in-house Xring O3 processor — the successor to the Xring O1 that debuted in the Xiaomi 15S Pro in 2025.
Name still unclear: The device could launch as the Xiaomi MIX Fold 5 or Xiaomi 17 Fold — no official branding confirmed.
August 2026 window: Verified leaks point to a China-only launch around August 2026, potentially timed to Xiaomi Day on August 8. An early July window is not supported by current evidence.
Xiaomi 17 Max also incoming: A separate leak points to a May China launch for the 17 Max, featuring a 6.9-inch OLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and an 8,000mAh battery.

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

The Foldable: What Q18 Actually Tells Us

The internal "18" designation is the key signal here. Within Xiaomi's internal naming system, the "18" series is consistently reserved for foldable devices — making the Q18 designation a strong indicator that this is indeed a book-style flagship foldable, not a clamshell. The model number 2608BPX34C had previously appeared in the IMEI database, and the Mi Code appearance now links it to the Xring O3 chipset reference.

That chipset association is more significant than the device itself. Xiaomi confirmed at MWC 2026 that it plans to launch a new version of its Xring chip annually and intends to expand in-house silicon to global markets over time. The Xring O1 debuted in the Xiaomi 15S Pro and remained China-exclusive. If the Xring O3 follows the same trajectory, the foldable — whatever it ends up being called — will likely stay within China at launch. The estimated starting price of around $1,399 positions it squarely at the top of the premium foldable segment.

The Naming Problem

I suppose this is where things get frustrating. The device could ship as the Xiaomi MIX Fold 5, the Xiaomi 17 Fold, or even the Xiaomi Mix Fold 6 — and there's currently no official confirmation either way. Xiaomi's foldable branding has shifted more than once, and the company hasn't signalled which direction it's leaning. What's clear is that the Q18 project represents a fresh start from the cancelled nirvana prototype, built on different hardware with a different internal identity.

Xiaomi 17 Max: The Other Phone Worth Watching

Separately, the Xiaomi 17 Max is taking shape for a China launch in May. The specs paint a clear picture: a 6.9-inch OLED display running at 120Hz, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — the same chip across the broader Xiaomi 17 lineup. The battery is a standout at 8,000mAh, paired with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.

Camera Setup

The rear camera system is headlined by a 200MP Leica-tuned primary sensor, supported by a 50MP ultra-wide and a 50MP periscope telephoto. A 50MP front camera rounds out the imaging hardware. Additional features tipped include an X-axis linear motor and a dual symmetric speaker setup for immersive audio. No pricing has been confirmed.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5