Xiaomi 26 Series May Replace The Expected Xiaomi 18

Xiaomi plans a major shift in its smartphone naming convention for the upcoming flagship devices arriving in September 2026. According to recent information from the reliable leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the company will likely skip the Xiaomi 18 designation entirely. The brand expects to launch the new devices as the Xiaomi 26 series to align its global strategy. This bold move follows the previous decision to release the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max to match industry competitors, signaling a completely new era for Xiaomi flagship phones.

New Branding Strategy According to Leaks

The technology firm continues to adjust its product names to stand out in the highly competitive global market. Reports indicate that the upcoming September 2026 launch will introduce a fresh marketing approach for its premium devices and the broader software ecosystem.

Skipping Numbers: The company plans to bypass the number 18 completely, moving directly to the Xiaomi 26 naming scheme.
Release Timeline: Consumers can expect the brand new flagship smartphone lineup to debut officially in September 2026.
Software Alignment: Rumors suggest the next Xiaomi HyperOS update might also match this new numbering system, potentially shifting from version 4 to version 26.
Historical Context: The brand previously utilized a similar strategy by skipping a generation to release a device named alongside competing smartphone lineups.