Xiaomi 18 Leak: ‘Magic Back Screen’ to Get Major AI Overhaul

Following the market attention garnered by the inclusion of the “Magic Back Screen” on the Xiaomi 17 Pro models, it appears the Chinese manufacturer is doubling down on this hardware differentiation. According to a significant new Xiaomi 18 leak, the company’s next generation of devices is poised to introduce an AI-driven evolution of the secondary rear display.

The Xiaomi 18 leak, originating from industry insider SmartPikachu on Weibo, reports that Xiaomi has begun exploring advanced materials for the rear panels of its upcoming lineup. The information suggests a move away from simple notification panels toward “AI-powered real displays.” This indicates that the upcoming iteration could offer richer interactivity and deeper integration with the device’s operating system, rather than serving merely as a passive aesthetic element.

Following this latest Xiaomi 18 leak, speculation has mounted regarding the wider availability of this feature. Some market observers suggest that Xiaomi might expand the secondary screen to the standard, non-Pro version of the Xiaomi 18 this year. Analysts believe such a move could further drive revenue, given that the feature was a primary differentiator for the previous generation against competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro.

However, the reception to these reports has not been universally positive. While the sales figures for the Xiaomi 17 Pro suggest strong market appetite for unique form factors, a vocal segment of the enthusiast community has expressed skepticism regarding the priorities revealed in the Xiaomi 18 leak.

Critics argue that the internal space required to house the secondary screen and its associated components comes at a cost. On various online forums, users have noted a preference for functional upgrades—such as larger battery capacities, improved speaker chambers, or larger camera sensors—over the inclusion of a rear display. The debate highlights the ongoing engineering challenge of balancing novelty with core utility in modern smartphone design.

While the tech giant is currently focused on rolling out software features for existing users, this Xiaomi 18 leak makes the direction for the new series clear: the secondary screen is here to stay, although its final utility and impact on other specifications remain to be seen.