Xiaomi’s Xiaomi 18 launch plan may be more unusual than first expected. New information suggests that Xiaomi could introduce the Xiaomi 18 Pro, Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, and a foldable model first in September 2026, while the standard Xiaomi 18 may arrive later. The reported structure closely matches Apple’s rumored split iPhone 18 release calendar, although Xiaomi has not officially confirmed its plans.
We also need to correct several details from our earlier coverage. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is codenamed hongkong, not Venice. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is known as madrid, while venice is expected to be the standard Xiaomi 18.
Xiaomi 18 codenames and expected launch order
Based on new Mi Code findings and current leak information, Xiaomi’s next flagship family appears to be organised as follows:
| Model | Codename | Expected timing |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 18 Pro Max | madrid | September 2026 |
| Xiaomi 18 Pro | hongkong | September 2026 |
| Xiaomi 18 | venice | Later, possibly early 2027 |
| Xiaomi 18 Fold | lhasa | September 2026 |
This would mean Xiaomi may hold a September event focused on its Pro-tier phones and its foldable device, then bring the standard Xiaomi 18 to market in a separate window.
Xiaomi and Apple could use the same two-stage calendar
Apple is widely expected to change its established iPhone launch pattern. Reports indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone could launch in September 2026, while the regular iPhone 18 may follow around March 2027. The iPhone 18e and a possible iPhone Air successor are also expected in that later window.
Apple’s reported roadmap is notable because the standard iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 models launched alongside the Pro models in the fall. A staggered iPhone 18 strategy would therefore be a major departure from Apple’s usual schedule. MacRumors’ report on Ming-Chi Kuo’s roadmap also lists the Pro models and foldable for late 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 and 18e expected in the first half of 2027.
Xiaomi’s rumoured sequence looks remarkably similar:
- September 2026: Xiaomi 18 Pro, Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, Xiaomi 18 Fold
- Later window: Xiaomi 18
- Possible additional model: An Air- or e-style device remains unconfirmed
This is not proof that Xiaomi copied Apple. However, both companies may be responding to the same commercial logic: premium models and foldables can lead the main autumn launch cycle, while a standard flagship gets its own marketing space later.
Tipster @That_Kartikey pointed to this possibility around one month ago, saying that Xiaomi might not launch the vanilla Xiaomi 18 at the September event. At the time, the reason behind the claim was unclear. The latest code and model-number evidence now makes that scenario more plausible.
Rear-display evidence supports the codename mapping
Mi Code evidence found by XimiTime indicates that madrid and hongkong include rear-display support. Venice doesn’t appear to support a rear screen.
That distinction strongly supports the current identification:
- madrid — Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- hongkong — Xiaomi 18 Pro
- venice — Xiaomi 18
The rear display is to remain a Pro-tier feature rather than expand to the standard Xiaomi 18. This explains why Venice shouldn’t be associated with the Xiaomi 18 Pro, despite our earlier reports.
Development timing and model numbers fit the rumor
The development timeline also aligns with a delayed standard model. Madrid first appeared in Mi Code in December 2025, while Venice was first seen in March 2026. A later code appearance does not confirm a delayed retail launch by itself, but it is consistent with Venice entering development later than the two Pro models.
Model-number patterns provide another supporting clue:
| Codename | Reported model-number period |
|---|---|
| hongkong – XM18P | 2609 |
| madrid – XM18PM | 2611 |
| venice – XM18 | 2612 |
Global availability and India plans
All Xiaomi 18 series models are currently expected to reach global markets. The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max are also to be sold in India. The standard Xiaomi 18 is reportedly different: it may receive a broad global release but is not expected to launch in India. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is still described by leaks as a China-focused model. Its wider availability has not been established, so it should not yet be treated as globally confirmed.
Reported Xiaomi 18 series specifications
Early leaks describe a four-model Xiaomi 18 family running Android 17-based HyperOS 4 with expanded AI functions. The following specifications remain unconfirmed:
- Xiaomi 18 Fold: 7.6-inch foldable display, XRING O3 chipset, 200MP main camera, around 6,000mAh battery, 67W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Xiaomi 18: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, 200MP sensor, and a reported 7,200mAh battery.
- Xiaomi 18 Pro: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-series chipset, 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, 200MP telephoto camera, and around 7,000mAh battery.
- Xiaomi 18 Pro Max: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, 200MP LOFIC HDR main camera, 200MP telephoto camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, ultra-narrow bezels, and a reported 8,500mAh battery.
The standard Xiaomi 18 and Xiaomi 18 Pro are said to support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi has not announced any of these specifications, so they should be treated as early leak information rather than final product details.
Xiaomi 18 Ultra reportedly cancelled
The Xiaomi 18 Ultra is reportedly no longer in development. If accurate, Xiaomi’s 2026–2027 flagship strategy would focus on the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max as the top conventional model, with the Xiaomi 18 Fold acting as the experimental premium device.
The next major evidence will likely come from additional firmware references, certification listings, or Xiaomi’s own teaser activity. For now, the strongest conclusion is simple: Xiaomi may split the Xiaomi 18 generation into two launches, putting its Pro models first and the standard model later—just as Apple is expected to do with the iPhone 18.
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