Xiaomi is enhancing its rear screen feature on the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro by integrating Google Maps navigation and music playback controls. This build on the rear display concept first seen on the Xiaomi 17 Pro offers practical use beyond just showing notifications or time.
Navigation on the Rear Display
The rear screen will show key Google Maps information such as the next turn and the distance remaining until that turn. This lets users follow directions while walking without activating the full front screen, helping to conserve battery life. The limited space in the camera bump restricts the display size, so Xiaomi focuses on showing only essential navigation data.
Music Playback Controls
Along with navigation, the rear screen will allow users to control music playback from apps like Spotify and YouTube Music. Users can see the current song’s title and cover art, and quickly pause or skip tracks by tapping the rear display.
Context for the Feature
This implementation targets situations where activating the main screen is unnecessary, such as following walking directions or switching songs quickly. It’s a solution to power consumption concerns that arise from using large, bright screens constantly. It also leverages Xiaomi’s rear display as more than just a design gimmick.
Upcoming Launch and Google Maps Enhancements
The Xiaomi 18 Pro series will launch on November 17, likely reaching global markets this time. These rear screen features are tied to Google’s recent “immersive navigation” update, described as the biggest Google Maps update in over a decade. The update adds 3D buildings, landmarks, sidewalks, and more realistic routing aided by the Gemini AI system, which enhances turn-by-turn directions with landmark references.
While immersive navigation is already available in the US, it remains limited worldwide. Google plans to expand availability in 2027 to more regions, including Europe. The update works automatically via Google’s servers and does not require specific app versions.
Users interested in testing or seeing this feature should keep Google Maps updated and watch for the Xiaomi 18 Pro launch, where more details will be revealed.
Previous coverage
We have covered the Xiaomi 18 Pro’s launch date and positioning earlier, focusing on hardware upgrades and global availability. This new rear display feature adds a functional twist to the design already seen on the Xiaomi 17 Pro in China.
