Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi Pad 9 and Redmi K100: Early hints of the next generation

We are still in January, and it will take some time before we officially discover the new Xiaomi and Redmi flagship models. However, beneath the surface something is already moving: work on the next generation of flagship devices has begun and preliminary details are starting to emerge.

At the center is Xiaomi 18, but also Redmi K100 is extremely important (given its link to our POCO); furthermore there is room for Xiaomi Pad 9, a sizeable device that we can reasonably expect to reach our shores as well.

Xiaomi and Redmi will have a rich line-up for 2026 as well: code names, release dates and details of the new models coming

Xiaomi 18

Xiaomi 18 has been talked about since last October: given the presence of the rear display on board the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max, the curiosity around this feature is warranted. Given the success of the two flagship models, the same company led by Lei Jun has confirmed that the Second Display will return with the next series.

We can assume that this will be an exclusive feature of the Pro and Pro Max models, distributed only in China – as is now traditional. Returning to the standard Xiaomi 18, the phone would be known internally by code name Madrid and the internal code Q3. Clearly, once certified by various agencies it will have a different model number.

On board we will find a top-tier Qualcomm SoC (the bond between Xiaomi and the chipmaker is solid) while the launch would be expected again in September.

Xiaomi Pad 9 and 9 Pro

The Xiaomi Pad 9 and 9 Pro are also central to the latest rumors, but with details different from what emerged last October. According to the most recent updates, the base model would be equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The code name should be Donghai, with the internal designation Q82.

The higher-end Pro would have the internal name and code Shuntian and Q81, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 powering everything. Both devices are expected to launch in Global and Europe versions; the China release is expected for September, alongside the Xiaomi 18 family.

Redmi K100

A surprise is also talking about Redmi K100 and K100 Pro Max: after the current series Redmi K90, the Xiaomi offshoot should continue with the new nomenclature.

For both phones there would be Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets; as happened with the current generation the Global launch should take place with POCO. Consequently, the international rebrands would be POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, successors of the current F8 Pro and F8 Ultra.

Also in this case there are some basic details: Redmi K100 would have code name Athens and code Q11; K100 Pro Max would be known instead as Songyuan, coded Q11X.

There is no information yet on timings but it is likely we will have to wait until October for Redmi and until November for the POCO counterparts.