Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launches Ahead of Rumoured Foldable iPhone
Xiaomi has launched a new folding phone called the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China.
It opens like a book but is wider than many other foldable phones.
The inside screen is large enough to show three apps side by side.
A smaller screen on the outside lets people use the phone when it is closed.
The phone is very thin when opened and weighs 219 grams.
It uses Xiaomi’s new XRing O3 chip and can have up to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage.
It also has a 6,000mAh battery and cameras supported by Leica.
Prices start at 10,999 yuan and reach 15,999 yuan for the special Ceramic Edition.
Xiaomi has not said whether the phone will be sold in other countries, while Apple’s possible foldable iPhone remains unconfirmed.
Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China shortly before Apple’s 9 September event.
The wide-format foldable has a 7.58-inch inner display, a 5.38-inch cover screen and supports three-app multitasking.
It measures 5.02mm unfolded, 10.68mm folded and weighs 219 grams, with IP58 and IP59 ratings.
The phone uses Xiaomi’s XRing O3 AI chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and a 6,000mAh battery.
Chinese prices range from 10,999 yuan to 15,999 yuan, while international availability remains unconfirmed.
- Who
- Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold; Apple is reportedly preparing a possible foldable iPhone.
- What
- A wide-format foldable smartphone with large displays, multitasking features, high-end cameras and Xiaomi’s XRing O3 chipset was introduced.
- When
- The Xiaomi 18 Fold launched shortly before Apple’s 9 September event; the articles do not give an exact Xiaomi launch date.
- Where
- The phone was launched and priced in China.
- Why
- Xiaomi is emphasizing its thin, lightweight design, multitasking capabilities and premium specifications as Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable-phone market.
Xiaomi’s product claims
Apple’s reported plans
Performance positioning
Xiaomi’s product claims
Xiaomi says the self-developed XRing O3 AI chipset offers better responsiveness than Apple’s A19 Pro.
Apple’s reported plans
The articles do not include a response from Apple or independent verification of Xiaomi’s performance claim.
Foldable-phone launch
Xiaomi’s product claims
Xiaomi has launched and priced the 18 Fold in China, giving it an announced product in this segment.
Apple’s reported plans
Apple has not confirmed a foldable iPhone; reports say a book-style model may be unveiled at the 9 September event and could cost more than $2,000.
- Inner display
- 7.58-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits peak brightness
- Cover display
- 5.38-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits peak brightness
- Size and weight
- 5.02mm unfolded, 10.68mm folded and 219 grams
- Processor
- Xiaomi XRing O3 AI chipset
- Memory and storage
- 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of storage
- Battery and charging
- 6,000mAh battery, 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging
- China pricing
- 10,999 yuan to 14,999 yuan; the Ceramic Special Edition costs 15,999 yuan
- International availability
- Not yet confirmed
