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

Xiaomi has announced it will launch its first wide-format foldable smartphone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, on September 7, two days before Apple’s anticipated unveiling of the foldable iPhone Ultra on September 9. The Xiaomi 18 Fold was presented at IFA 2026 in Berlin, marking Xiaomi’s debut at the event, although it was displayed behind glass without hands-on access.

Xiaomi’s Strategic Launch Ahead of Apple

This launch positions Xiaomi ahead of Apple’s major event, coming several months after Samsung expanded its foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The Xiaomi 18 Fold seeks to compete in the wide-format foldable segment, featuring a 5.38-inch outer display and a 7.58-inch inner foldable screen. These dimensions closely compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s 5.5-inch cover and 7.6-inch inner displays.

Market Focus and Availability

Xiaomi’s mobile business president, Lu Weibing, revealed details on Weibo, indicating the initial release will concentrate on the Chinese market. Promotional materials have primarily appeared on Chinese platforms, and there is currently no confirmation of an international launch despite Xiaomi’s presence in global markets such as the UK and Europe.

Innovative Processor Technology

A standout feature of the Xiaomi 18 Fold is its integration of Xiaomi’s new in-house processor, the XRing 03 chip. This model marks the debut of the chip in a consumer device, representing a shift from reliance on Qualcomm or MediaTek processors.

Early reports suggest the XRing 03 may offer strong CPU and graphics performance. However, independent testing post-launch will be necessary to provide conclusive performance evaluations.

Upcoming Details and Market Anticipation

Additional specifications for the Xiaomi 18 Fold have not been officially disclosed yet. With the launch date approaching, Xiaomi is expected to reveal more information soon as anticipation builds for its entry into the foldable smartphone market just ahead of Apple’s expected iPhone Ultra release.

Key Takeaways

  • Xiaomi will launch the Xiaomi 18 Fold on September 7, preceding Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra unveiling by two days.
  • The Xiaomi 18 Fold features a 5.38-inch outer display and a 7.58-inch inner screen, similar in size to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.
  • The device will initially target the Chinese market, with no confirmed international availability yet.
  • It introduces Xiaomi’s in-house XRing 03 chip, marking the company’s move away from Qualcomm and MediaTek processors.
  • Further specifications are pending, with more details expected as the launch date nears.