Xiaomi Copied the Foldable iPhone Before Apple Even Announced It
Xiaomi released its new mid-size Xiaomi 18 Fold smartphone, featuring a passport-style A4 aspect ratio design, an XRING O3 chip, a triple camera, and a large battery. Weighing 219g, the device includes a 7.68-inch foldable screen and a 5.38-inch outer display. The launch occurs in China alongside a new foldable from Huawei, intensifying competition in the premium handset market just days before Apple is expected to reveal its iPhone Ultra on September 9. Meanwhile, a recent report reveals that former Apple CEO Tim Cook guided the development of the foldable iPhone, which targeted an initial retail price of $1,999 and could cost around $3,000 with storage upgrades.
What changed
New hands-on impressions and structural details emerged regarding the Xiaomi 18 Fold alongside reports detailing the development history and potential pricing of Apple's foldable device.
Live updates
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Xiaomi Unveils 18 Fold Ahead of Apple Launch
Xiaomi released its new mid-size Xiaomi 18 Fold smartphone, featuring a passport-style A4 aspect ratio design, an XRING O3 chip, a triple camera, and a large battery. Weighing 219g, the device includes a 7.68-inch foldable screen and a 5.38-inch outer display. The launch occurs in China alongside a new foldable from Huawei, intensifying competition in the premium handset market just days before Apple is expected to reveal its iPhone Ultra on September 9. Meanwhile, a recent report reveals that former Apple CEO Tim Cook guided the development of the foldable iPhone, which targeted an initial retail price of $1,999 and could cost around $3,000 with storage upgrades.
Why it matters
The timing of these Chinese product rollouts places direct pressure on Apple as it prepares to enter the foldable device category. Component costs are rising globally due to a memory shortage driven by AI data center demand, forcing manufacturers to prioritize high-margin hardware. Apple previously aimed to replicate the pricing strategy of the 2017 iPhone X to avoid crossing a controversial $2,000 threshold.
What is confirmed
- Xiaomi launched the 18 Fold wide-format foldable smartphone featuring a passport-style design and an XRING O3 chip.
- Former Apple CEO Tim Cook played a major role in the development of the foldable iPhone.
- The foldable iPhone early development targeted a starting retail price of $1,999.
- Chinese tech companies Huawei and Xiaomi launched new flagship foldable smartphones on Monday.
- The Xiaomi 18 Fold weighs 219g and features a 7.68-inch foldable display alongside a 5.38-inch outer display.
Still unconfirmed
- The foldable iPhone could reach around $3,000 with storage upgrades.
- Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra on September 9.
What to watch next
- Apple's official product announcement on September 9, 2026
- Pricing and international availability announcements for the Xiaomi 18 Fold
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.cnet.com — I Actually Really Like Xiaomi’s Folding iPhone Ultra Rival
- www.theverge.com — Xiaomi’s wide foldable promises more power than Samsung’s
- www.zdnet.com — I tried the Xiaomi 18 Fold before the iPhone Ultra launch – it beat my Samsung in 3 ways
- www.nbcnews.com — Chinese tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi launch new foldable smartphones ahead of Apple event
- www.macrumors.com — Foldable iPhone Development History and Price Revealed in New Report
- www.engadget.com — Xiaomi 18 Fold hands-on: An attractive 'mid-size' foldable with powerful specs
- www.analyticsinsight.net — Top News Today: Huawei, Xiaomi Foldables, Karnataka Startup Fund, IOCL Exam, Stablecoins
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Xiaomi launches 18 Fold ahead of Apple's expected iPhone Ultra debut
Xiaomi released the 18 Fold wide-format foldable smartphone two days before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra on September 9. The 18 Fold features a passport-style design and an XRING O3 chip, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple's first foldable device. This release occurs amid a global memory shortage driven by AI data center demand, which is increasing costs for smartphones and PCs as manufacturers prioritize high-profit AI products over standard consumer hardware.
Why it matters
The foldable market is intensifying with entries from Xiaomi and Huawei alongside Apple's anticipated entry. This competition arrives as memory suppliers like Micron benefit from a shift toward high-bandwidth memory for AI.
What is confirmed
- Xiaomi launched the 18 Fold two days before Apple's expected foldable iPhone debut.
- Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone Ultra at an event on September 9.
Still unconfirmed
- The Huawei Mate XT 2 is a trifold smartphone costing $3,000.
What to watch next
- The Apple event on September 9
- Official pricing and specifications for the iPhone Ultra
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.macworld.com — iPhone Ultra: Latest foldable iPhone release date, price, specs and rumors
- www.tradingkey.com — Is AI Making iPhones More Expensive? Micron Among Big Winners as Global Memory Shortage Escalates
- www.theapplepost.com — Xiaomi launches iPhone Ultra rival just two days before Apple’s foldable iPhone debut
- gizmodo.com — Huawei Has a New $3,000 Trifold, Just in Case Apple’s Foldable iPhone Wasn’t Expensive Enough for You
- www.androidauthority.com — The latest Wide Fold is here and has everything the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lacks
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Xiaomi 18 Fold Debuts Amid Foldable iPhone Ultra Anticipation
Xiaomi has showcased the Xiaomi 18 Fold at IFA 2026, featuring an XRING O3 chip and a passport-style design that is wider and shorter than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This release coincides with reports that Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable flagship, the iPhone Ultra. While Gizmodo alleges Xiaomi copied the foldable iPhone before its official announcement, Apple's upcoming unveiling is expected to be led by a new CEO, as Tim Cook is identified as the former CEO.
Why it matters
The foldable market is intensifying as established Android competitors face a pending entry from Apple. The design shift toward passport-style dimensions suggests a move away from traditional tall foldable forms.
What is confirmed
- Xiaomi showcased the Xiaomi 18 Fold featuring an XRING O3 chip at IFA 2026.
- The Xiaomi 18 Fold has a passport-style design that is shorter and wider than the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Still unconfirmed
- The Retroid Pocket 6 received an upgrade.
What to watch next
- Apple's product announcements on September 9
- Official specifications for the iPhone Ultra
- Retail launch dates for the Xiaomi 18 Fold
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (7)
- Gizmodo — Xiaomi Copied the Foldable iPhone Before Apple Even Announced It
- GSMArena.com — Xiaomi 18 Fold with XRING O3 chip showcased at IFA 2026, we go eyes on - GSMArena.com news
- Engadget — Xiaomi's New Passport-Style Foldable Looks Shorter And Wider Than The Galaxy Z Fold 8
- Forbes — Android Circuit: Galaxy Z Fold8 Success, Xiaomi 18 Fold Preview, Retroid Pocket 6 Upgrade
- Sportskeeda Tech — Xiaomi 18 Fold vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Which is the better foldable phone?
- www.phonearena.com — I wanted ex-Apple CEO Tim Cook to be present at the foldable iPhone Ultra launch, and I kind of got my wish
- www.phonearena.com — I won't immediately judge Apple's new CEO on September 9, and I don't think you should either