Xiaomi Prepares to Return to the Foldable Market: The Possible Xiaomi 17 Fold May Feature the Proprietary Xring O3 Chip

Xiaomi could return as a key player in the foldable smartphone segment in 2026, after a year-long hiatus in launching horizontally opening foldable devices. According to recent rumors, the company is working on a new model, internally referred to by the codename "Lhasa" and the designation Q18, which may hit the market under the name Xiaomi 17 Fold, although it is still unclear whether this name or a variant from the Mix Fold series will be adopted.

The information emerges from references found in the Mi Code database, where the device has also been associated with a model number that previously appeared in the IMEI records. However, the most interesting aspect concerns the possible use of the new proprietary Xring O3 chipset, which would represent an important step in Xiaomi's strategy towards greater technological independence.

The Xring O3 chip is expected to be the direct successor to the Xring O1, which was already used in the Xiaomi 15S Pro in 2025. This suggests that the company continues to invest in the internal development of its own processors, following a path similar to that taken by other major manufacturers in the mobile sector. Regarding the launch, earlier reports indicated a potential delay for the device. New information, however, suggests that the debut could occur in early July, although there are currently no official confirmations.

Further (Possible) Insights into Xiaomi's Future: Not Just the 17 Fold

In parallel, Xiaomi is also preparing another high-end device, the Xiaomi 17 Max, expected to launch in May in the Chinese market. This model should offer noteworthy specifications, starting with a 6.9-inch flat OLED display with 1.5K resolution. The heart of the device could be the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, one of the most advanced chips anticipated for the next generation of smartphones.

Memory configurations are expected to reach up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage, while the battery could achieve an impressive capacity of approximately 8,000 mAh, supported by 100W fast charging via cable and 50W wireless charging.

The camera system also promises to be high-end, featuring a 50-megapixel front camera and a rear system led by a 200-megapixel main sensor developed by Samsung, accompanied by an ultra-wide lens and a periscope telephoto lens, both at 50 megapixels. Overall, Xiaomi appears determined to strengthen its presence in both the traditional premium segment and the foldable device market.