Xiaomi Fold 18 Pro Unveiled at IFA 2026 With Custom XRING 03 AI Chip

Xiaomi has opened its IFA 2026 showcase with a new foldable smartphone, reinforcing its commitment to the book-style foldable format popularized by devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. For now, the Xiaomi Fold 18 Pro is being shown only to press and invited guests on a display stand — hands-on access is not yet allowed. More details are expected on September 7, just days before another major phone launch event.

Xiaomi is not yet disclosing full specifications such as exact screen sizes, camera configurations or battery capacity. However, the company has chosen a striking supercar red finish that immediately draws attention.

One of the more interesting design decisions is the use of an even wider display aspect ratio for both the outer and inner screens. This suggests a focus on media consumption, multitasking and productivity when the device is unfolded. It also sets up an intriguing comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which has set a recent benchmark for wide foldable displays.

The rear camera module features subtle Leica branding, indicating that Xiaomi is continuing its imaging partnership and positioning the Fold 18 Pro as a relatively capable camera phone within the foldable segment.

Perhaps the most significant revelation is that Xiaomi is launching the Fold 18 Pro with its own in-house system-on-chip, the XRING 03, which the company describes as a “Flagship AI SoC”. This implies that the device may not use Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek silicon.

According to Xiaomi, the XRING 03 will integrate:

• CPU

• GPU

• NPU

• Dedicated AI accelerators

Specific performance figures, architecture details and manufacturing process have not been disclosed. The move to a custom SoC underscores Xiaomi’s ambition to differentiate its flagship foldable through both hardware and AI capabilities.

The Xiaomi Fold 18 Pro is scheduled to launch in China on September 7. A global rollout, if planned, has not been announced. With more technical details expected at the launch event, the Fold 18 Pro could emerge as one of the most closely watched foldable phones of the year, particularly given its custom chipset and distinctive design.