Just days ago, the Xiaomi 17 Max was unveiled, which came as a bit of a surprise since the Chinese company is expected to introduce its 18th flagship series this fall. However, Xiaomi may postpone the Xiaomi 18 launch to spring 2027, releasing only the higher-end models of the lineup this fall. This rumor emerged after a leak from Chinese insider Digital Chat Station and mirrors the strategy that Apple is reportedly planning for the iPhone 18. If true, Xiaomi’s usual update schedule will change.
The Xiaomi 18 launch may be delayed. Image: GSMArena
When Will the Xiaomi 18 Come Out
Insider Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo that one of the Chinese manufacturers has decided to replicate Apple’s strategy and split the lineup release into two stages. The brand name wasn’t mentioned directly, but Xiaomi is considered the most likely candidate. The reason is simple: the base Xiaomi 17 smartphone showed weak sales compared to the higher-end Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
If the assumption is correct, Xiaomi will only unveil the Pro versions this fall, while the base Xiaomi 18 and Xiaomi 18 Max will launch in spring. This is not a confirmed fact but rather a rumor based on an anonymous insider tip. So it should be taken accordingly.
Why Xiaomi Is Postponing the Xiaomi 18 Launch
The logic here is purely commercial. When the base and Pro models launch simultaneously, buyers increasingly choose the higher-end version, especially when the price difference isn’t too significant. The base smartphone ends up selling below expectations. By spreading releases across seasons, the manufacturer gets two separate media events and two sales peaks instead of one.
According to rumors, Apple is planning something similar: in fall 2026, it will show only the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Ultra, while the regular iPhone 18, 18e, and Air 2 will be pushed to spring 2027. That said, Xiaomi has explained why it has the right to release smartphones in the same price category as Apple — so copying a competitor’s strategy seems like a natural move here.
Is It Worth Buying the Xiaomi 17 in 2026
Now is the best time to buy the Xiaomi 17. Image: Mark’s Tech
If you were planning to upgrade to the Xiaomi 18 smartphone, there’s definitely no need to wait anxiously — the model, according to the rumor, may be delayed by several months. For those interested in Pro versions, the changes won’t matter: the higher-end models will most likely launch on schedule. But for fans of the base model, it might be worth taking a closer look at the Xiaomi 17.
For those looking for an affordable Xiaomi flagship right now, the situation remains unchanged. You can go ahead and get the Xiaomi 17, and the manufacturer also continues to expand its device lineup, offering the Redmi Turbo 5 Max, which also targets the affordable flagship niche.
Should You Believe the Rumors About the Xiaomi 18 Delay
For now, this is a chain of assumptions: an anonymous insider talks about an unnamed brand, and journalists conclude that it’s about Xiaomi. There are no specific dates, company confirmations, or roadmap leaks. Digital Chat Station is a well-known source in the Chinese tech community, but even reliable insiders are far from having a 100% accuracy rate.
The sensible approach: keep this information in mind but don’t base your purchasing decisions on it. If Xiaomi truly decides to split the lineup, it will become known well before the release through more specific leaks and official announcements.
