The rumors about the brand’s next flagship series continue, and this time they look at a solution designed for those who miss the rear display. The current Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with a Second Display embedded in the rectangular island that also houses the cameras; this is an exclusive feature, absent on both the Xiaomi 17 standard and the Ultra variant.
Things could change with the future Xiaomi 18: the standard model of the family is expected to receive a mini rear display, thanks to a new gadget perhaps inspired by OPPO.
Xiaomi 18 could have a magnetic rear display: here are the latest updates on the next base flagship
Recently the OPPO Reno 16 series has appeared, accompanied by a very particular accessory: OPPO Bubble, a mini rear display useful both as a way to customize the chassis and as a digital mirror to take selfies with the main camera.
According to the latest rumors from China, the Xiaomi 18 standard could receive a similar accessory: Lei Jun’s company is working on a rectangular magnetic display, to be attached to the back of the phone.
However, there remains a question: will the flagship receive magnets integrated in Apple MagSafe style or will attaching the mini display require a magnetic case?
Moving on to the bigger brothers Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max (or at least one of the two, this is certain), these will have a fixed display as already happened with the current models. For how it may seem a niche feature, the Chinese company appears to be betting quite a bit on it. The next version should have larger dimensions (4″) and even integrated privacy protection, with screen dimming in the style of Galaxy S26 Ultra.
From magnetic lenses to the screen
Initially the rumors about the back of the Xiaomi 18 series were different: at the MWC 2025 the Chinese company showcased its modular camera flagship, featuring a rear lens system with magnetic attachment.
The project was supposed to come to fruition this year with the arrival of the new flagship line: the Chinese brand was testing a technology based on magnetic connectors to use removable lenses and advanced telephoto lenses, as well as accessories – such as fans and displays.
The dream of cameras collided with a more prudent approach: the new optics would not have passed the quality tests required for mass production, hence the stop (for now).
Clearly, Xiaomi must have judged the new technology mature at least for the magnetic docking system and the use of a mini rear display, perhaps also thanks to OPPO Bubble
