Apple inspires Xiaomi yet again in the worst possible way

The upcoming Xiaomi 18 series might copy what Apple will (allegedly) be doing with its iPhone 18 series – a chronological split.

As we've discussed several times, the iPhone 18 Pro Max (and the standard-sized iPhone 18 Pro) might arrive this September. The vanilla iPhone 18, on the other hand, could materialize in early 2027.

Now Xiaomi might adopt the same strategy.

No need for that

Per the current rumors, the Xiaomi 18 Pro might debut in September (what a coincidence, that's when the iPhone 18 Pro is also expected).

Later, the Xiaomi 18 would be presented to the public, and this could happen in January or February 2027.

Now, if this wasn't enough in the first place, there are claims that Xiaomi might adopt the iPhone 18's rumored Dark Cherry hue – a color that promises to grab your attention just like the Cosmic Orange did with the iPhone 17 series.

The monikers inspiration was enough

Last year, Xiaomi skipped the 16 moniker and went straight to the Xiaomi 17 series to be closer to the iPhone 17 series.

It's obvious that Xiaomi wanted to get closer to Apple and, at the end of the day, it's not a big deal. Companies always get inspired by each other.

I, personally, hold the view that an innovative company like Xiaomi can come up with better monikers for its flagships.

But it's more complicated than that when it comes to unveiling dates.

Xiaomi has to outrun Apple

Apple's handsets are popular not just in the US and in Europe, but in Asia, too. Hell, politicians can announce whatever tariffs and restrictions they want, but in China, the iPhone 17 was (is) a hit.

And, let's face it, Xiaomi has to compete with Apple chronologically – which means that it needs to offer a better phone at a lower price earlier than Cupertino.

Risks ahead

Xiaomi risks validating Apple's strategy instead of challenging it.

Hate it or love it, Apple can afford to split launches because it has a customer base that will wait months for the device they want.

Xiaomi doesn't enjoy that same luxury. When buyers see a Xiaomi 18 Pro in September but have to wait until early 2027 for the regular Xiaomi 18, some may simply end up getting the iPhone 18.

A staggered release works when your brand is the dominant one; it's less effective when you're still fighting for market share. Xiaomi's strength has always been offering a clear, complete lineup that arrives with little confusion.

Borrowing Apple's release calendar could make Xiaomi look more like a follower than a rival, and that's a dangerous perception in a fiercely competitive market.

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