Xiaomi 18 will arrive late due to iPhone 18? If confirmed… it would be madness

In recent hours we discussed a possible global early launch for the next flagship from Lei Jun’s company. a possible global early launch, but in reality things could be very different from what was hypothesized: shedding light on the matter is the usual Digital Chat Station, launching a new rumor that could completely overturn Xiaomi’s usual schedule.

The debut of the next Xiaomi 18 — at least for the base version — could be delayed to the early months of 2027. There is still no official confirmation, yet these rumors are sending goosebumps and there is a very precise reason.

Xiaomi 18 and 18 Pro should debut at two separate events: what the new leak says, borderline madness

There has been talk for months about Cupertino’s new strategy: this year Apple is expected to break a tradition that has lasted since time immemorial, separating the launch of the new iPhones into two separate events. The company has remained silent, but according to what emerged from a shareholders’ meeting, it seems that iPhone 18 standard will be announced in spring.

During the autumn event the Pro models will take the stage, but above all Cupertino’s much-awaited foldable. And now back to China: according to insider Digital Chat Station, Lei Jun’s company should unveil Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, launching the gauntlet to the US rival.

Xiaomi 18 should be announced at a later date: there is no exact date, but the leaker claims that the flagship will be available during the Chinese New Year period (which will fall on February 6, 2027, while celebrations will last until the 20th of the month).

Cherry on top, there are rumors that the Xiaomi lineup should introduce a new red shade close to that Dark Cherry of the iPhone 18 family.

Regarding the color, this is not a new phenomenon: if a color is successful (and if Apple uses it, it almost certainly will), it’s normal for major manufacturers to follow the trend to satisfy users’ tastes.

However changing the date to follow Cupertino’s strategy borders on madness, so for now it’s wise to treat this rumor as just that—a rumor.

Presumed technical specs

• Dimensions and weight: /
• Color options: /
• Certification: IP68
• Display: Flat OLED 6.4-inch, 1.5K, LiPo, LTPO refresh rate 120 Hz, touch sampling at 300 Hz, 12-bit color, DC Dimming 2,160 Hz and peak brightness up to 3,500 nits
• Security: under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
• Liquid cooling with vapor chamber
• SoC: UNRELEASED – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite Gen 6, 2 nm TSMC (N2p)
• CPU: octa-core (2 + 3 + 3)
• GPU: Adreno 850
• RAM: 12/16 GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 256/512 GB/1 TB UFS 4.1 non-expandable
• Battery: above 7,000 mAh
• Charging: 100W, 50W wireless, reverse wired/wireless 22.5W
• Camera: triple 50 + 50 + 200 MP (f/?) with Light Fusion, OIS, ultra-wide and periscope telephoto with OIS | Leica optics
• Selfie camera: 50 MP (f/2.2), 90° FOV, autofocus
• Connectivity and other: Dual SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speaker, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
• Operating system: Android 17 with HyperOS 4