Xiaomi 18: A More Interactive Rear Screen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 on the Horizon for 2026
Just a month after the impressive launch of the Xiaomi 17 series in China, the brand is already gearing up for its next generation of flagships. According to the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi has begun developing the Xiaomi 18 series, set for release next year.
Fans will be pleased to know that the company plans to keep the secondary rear screen introduced with the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max — but this time, it aims to be more versatile than ever before.
Xiaomi 18: A Smarter and More Interactive Rear Screen
According to information shared by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro (and likely the 18 Pro Max) will feature the concept of a second AMOLED screen integrated into the camera module.
However, Xiaomi plans to implement significant software enhancements to make it a truly functional tool rather than just a cosmetic feature.
Some expected new features include:
- Contextual widgets for displaying weather, music, or notifications,
- Direct control of calls and messages,
- Improved photo and video previews for selfies using the main camera,
- Integration of dynamic interactive elements, similar to iOS’s “Live Activities.”
The goal is to transform this small screen into a complete secondary interface that can interact with the rest of the system without having to turn on the main display.
Continuing the Trend from the Xiaomi 17 Pro — But Better
The concept of a rear screen is not new for Xiaomi. The brand experimented with this idea back with the Mi 11 Ultra using a 1.1-inch mini display, but later dropped it in subsequent generations.
However, in 2025, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max reintroduced the trend with a 2.1-inch AMOLED screen at 120 Hz, ultra-bright, and protected by Dragon Crystal glass. This gamble paid off: according to market data from China, the Pro models accounted for nearly 80% of the total sales of the Xiaomi 17 series — a success that the brand aims to continue.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Expected Launch in September 2026
While the complete technical specifications remain a mystery, the Xiaomi 18 series is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Qualcomm’s upcoming high-end chip. It promises significant improvements in AI and graphics performance, further enhancing Xiaomi’s position in the premium Android segment.
Initial estimates suggest that the official launch could occur in September 2026 — approximately one year after the release of the Xiaomi 17.
Following the unexpected success of the Xiaomi 17 Pro, the brand seems determined to focus on innovative rear screen technology to differentiate itself in the next generation of flagships. If the promises of interactivity are fulfilled, the Xiaomi 18 series could redefine the use of secondary screens on smartphones — transforming them from mere gadgets into true extensions of the user experience.
