iPhone Ultra Vs Xiaomi 18 Fold: Chinese Tech Giant Launches Its Foldable Before Apple

Xiaomi has officially announced the launch date for its new wide-format foldable smartphone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which will be revealed on September 7. This launch is set to take place just two days prior to Apple’s event on September 9, where Apple is anticipated to introduce its rumored foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra.

Market Positioning and Competition

Positioned ahead of Apple’s major event, Xiaomi’s new device enters the competitive foldable smartphone market where Samsung has recently expanded its offerings with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 earlier this year. The Xiaomi 18 Fold, designed for a wide-format experience, made its first public appearance at the IFA 2026 technology show in Berlin. However, it was displayed behind glass, and attendees could not handle the device.

Availability and Regional Focus

Currently, Xiaomi has not disclosed plans to release the 18 Fold outside China. While the company markets smartphones internationally, including in the UK and Europe, promotional information for this model has mainly been circulated through Chinese platforms such as Weibo. This suggests an initial focus on the Chinese market.

Design and Display Features

Official images released by Xiaomi reveal the design of the 18 Fold, including a red color variant. The phone is expected to have a 5.38-inch external display and a larger 7.58-inch internal foldable screen.

For reference, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch internal display.

Processor and Performance

A significant highlight of the Xiaomi 18 Fold is its incorporation of the company’s new in-house XRing 03 processor. This chipset marks Xiaomi’s first use of proprietary silicon in a consumer smartphone, moving away from the commonly used Qualcomm or MediaTek processors.

Preliminary information suggests that the XRing 03 chip could compete effectively in both CPU and graphics performance, although independent testing after the device’s release will provide a clearer evaluation.

Remaining Details and Upcoming Information

Additional specifications for the Xiaomi 18 Fold have yet to be fully disclosed. With the launch just days away, Xiaomi is expected to share more detailed information about the device soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Xiaomi 18 Fold launches on September 7, two days before Apple’s foldable phone event.
  • The device features a wide-format foldable design with a 5.38-inch external and 7.58-inch internal display.
  • Xiaomi is focusing initial marketing efforts on the Chinese market, with no confirmed international release yet.
  • The phone will be powered by Xiaomi’s first in-house XRing 03 processor, signaling a shift from Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.
  • More detailed specifications and performance evaluations are expected upon launch.