Xiaomi to launch a wide foldable: the challenge to Samsung and Apple begins

The new Huawei Pura X Max has foreshadowed the trend of the next foldable flagships: the Chinese tech giant has set the pace, but in the coming months both Samsung and Apple should launch a model in the wide format. According to the latest rumors, Xiaomi won’t be left out: its next jewel should debut in the same form factor, effectively inaugurating a new era for the category.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 5, 17 Fold or 18 Fold: the name guessing game for the new foldable flagship has begun

According to a well-known insider — quite fond of Lei Jun’s company — the next flagship foldable from the brand will arrive during 2026. At the moment the name is absolutely unknown: initially born as Xiaomi MIX Fold 5, the project was shelved and then revived with a new name.

The Fold range should converge into the main series, hence the first rumors about Xiaomi 17 Fold, whose launch would be expected for the summer. July is a particularly special moment, historically linked to the launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, thus a perfect moment to throw down the gauntlet.

Now things seem to change again, as the hypothesis Xiaomi 18 Fold enters the stage, defined as one of the brand’s most ambitious smartphones for 2026. The camera department should offer a triple-sensor setup, with a 200 MP main camera.

Three names and a single smartphone: at this point the actual release window remains to be seen. If it arrives in September, then we can assume it will be part of the Xiaomi 18 family — expected to come with the future Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (Pro).

Whatever the name of Xiaomi’s foldable, another detail emerges: it will be a device in wide format, with a look similar to the aforementioned Huawei Pura X Max. In fact a closed build of HyperOS 4 has teased the possible design of the foldable, characterized by a curious D-shaped form when closed. Clearly we are talking about a stylized look, so it remains to be seen what the final design of the smartphone will be.

The foldables revolution goes through wide screens

Huawei has anticipated the trend by presenting the first book-style wide foldable: this will be the trend for the next generation, thanks to the advantages it brings to handling.

Current book-style flagships are characterized by an elongated look, while the new 4:3 aspect ratio is much more practical. The design appears more compact, with a tactile feel that evokes a small notebook or, better, a passport.

Once opened the phone resembles a small tablet, for an experience focused entirely on multimedia content and productivity. Huawei Pura X Max is the clearest example and it seems this is the right path: Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected also in wide format, while even the mysterious iPhone Ultra — Apple’s foldable — should have the same design.

And to top it off there are rumors of wide foldables coming for Honor and vivo: it’s likely that in the coming months other brands will join in, given the success of this format.