Emir BardakçıThe highly awaited Xiaomi MIX Trifold might also have joined the long list of ambitious projects shelved by Xiaomi, once considered the future of foldable smartphone technology. Now, speculations around the much-vaunted “zhuque” have again started to rev up these days, on the grounds that little news came for Mi Code; more than that, today there also came one more piece of unofficial information from another front, which hypothetically managed to claim thanks to the writing that came to Weibo courtesy of Digital Chat Station (DCS): it would appear that, in fact, this project was axed.
Xiaomi MIX Trifold: When Revolutionary Design Never Came into Being
It is worth mentioning that Xiaomi MIX Trifold was expected to debut with an innovative mechanism, allowing a device to perform tri-fold. So, this may keep the differences with other foldables existing on the market. Specifically, the MIX Trifold could be folded twice in different ways. And at first glance, one might consider these are simply unprecedented solutions, more versatile and carrying, unlike previously unveiled ones. It should have provided greater room for advancement: first-ever buttonless design, leading hinge technology, and, potentially, one with satellite communications capability.
Key Features and Rumored Innovations
- Tri-Fold Mechanism: The unique design of the MIX Trifold aimed to offer a compact smartphone experience when folded and an expansive tablet-like screen when fully unfolded.
- Buttonless Concept: It was going to implement a feature where the side ribs of this phone will be pressure-sensitive, along with touch controls to kill the inclusion of physical buttons-the quintessential piece of Xiaomi minimalism and moving towards a completely futuristic design:.
- Satellite Communication: There was a rumored variant that was said to include satellite connectivity for communication in remote areas, proving that Xiaomi doesn’t compromise on the latest technology.
Why we think it’s cancelled?
1. Lack of Development Updates
The last known references to the “zhuque” codename were made months ago in Xiaomi’s internal Mi Code. This stagnation in development has led to speculation that the MIX Trifold project may no longer be a priority for the company.
2. DCS Weibo Posting
Digital Chat Station is one of the more reliable sources when it comes to Xiaomi leaks, and they have just hinted that the MIX Trifold project may have been shelved. Of course, no reasons were provided as to why it was done, but the post just added credence to the growing belief that this device will never see the light of day.
3. Legacy MIX Series
The MIX series has traditionally been Xiaomi’s experimental playground, where it shows off concepts like the MIX Alpha and its wraparound display, or the MIX Fold series of devices. More often than not, though, the MIX series has struggled to make that leap from bold concept to sustainable consumer product, and the MIX Trifold seems to be the latest casualty.
Tri-Fold Technology: the Challenges
Bringing a tri-fold smartphone to market is no mean feat. Everything from the complexities of making durable hinges to the optimization of software for a multi-fold display poses huge challenges. Production costs of such devices are also notably higher, thus probably standing unsuitable for mass-market appeal.
Is the MIX Trifold Really Dead?
While the cancellation rumor is gaining seriousness, it is worth mentioning the fact that news about the status of such a device-the MIX Trifold/Xiaomi Mi Folding-has not been officially confirmed by Xiaomi’s management. Instead, complete indifference from the head of the company during the last CES, along with the lack of any tangible product progress, shows that at minimum the venture is on freeze.
A Missed Opportunity or a Strategic Retreat?
If the MIX Trifold has really been canceled, it’s a missed opportunity for Xiaomi to redefine the foldables market, but it may also reflect a strategic decision to focus resources on more feasible and profitable ventures.
The apparent demise of the MIX Fold 3 acts as a reminder of the risks involved with truly pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. Whether this ambitious concept will ever be picked up again by Xiaomi, or become an interesting “what could have been” part of tech history, is yet to be seen as the industry moves on. For now, Xiaomi fans will have to look at some other rumored launches at MWC 2025: such as the possibly upcoming MIX Flip 2 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Even with the tri-folding dream continuing to fade, Xiaomi’s track record for innovative products remains behind the thought-provoking, “what next?”.
