Emir BardakçıXiaomi’s application software director, Wang Le, has officially confirmed that the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro series will not feature a rear screen, a design element that has distinguished premium models in the company’s lineup. Addressing speculation about the back screen’s development costs—rumored at over $137 million for the Xiaomi 17 Pro—Wang clarified that this figure represents only a fraction of what the company invests in core chip R&D. His comments highlight Xiaomi’s broader commitment to technological advancement rather than niche design features.
This decision signals a substantial shift in Xiaomi’s design philosophy. To recall, the Xiaomi 11 Ultra debuted with a 1.1-inch rear AMOLED display, offering both form and practical features—quick notifications, improved selfie capabilities, and glanceable information when the device was face down. While Xiaomi removed this feature in the 12S Ultra, it returned with notable improvements in the 17 Pro, transforming the rear display into more of a multifunctional smart hub.
President Lu Weibing previously underscored these enhancements during a live broadcast, emphasizing the rear screen’s impact on user experience—from enhanced rear camera selfies to streamlined at-a-glance notifications.
The removal of this feature in the upcoming flagship indicates a reallocation of resources and a strategic focus on more impactful innovations. While the back screen caught attention and added value to previous models, Xiaomi appears intent on evolving its devices’ core technologies to deliver a more seamless, advanced experience for its users.
For those following the brand’s trajectory, this announcement sets clear expectations: the next-generation flagship will adjust priorities, potentially paving the way for new features better aligned with customers’ shifting needs and the fast pace of the industry.
