Xiaomi Copied the Foldable iPhone Before Apple Even Announced It

Xiaomi has officially introduced the Xiaomi 18 Fold, a device described by Mezha as a foldable 'passport' smartphone. This new hardware release comes in anticipation of the iPhone Ultra, with Gizmodo asserting that Xiaomi has effectively copied the foldable iPhone before Apple has even announced the product. The device is positioned as a competitor to other high-end foldables on the market, including the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. According to Gizmochina, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is tipped to have a starting price of approximately 12,000 yuan, which is roughly equivalent to $1,785. Industry coverage from multiple outlets emphasizes the design and market positioning of the device. Digital Trends reports that the Xiaomi 18 Fold raises questions regarding the ideal form and cost of compact phones, while further analysis from the same outlet suggests that this specific foldable design is here to stay.

CNET indicates a positive reception to the device as a rival to the iPhone Ultra. Additionally, PhoneArena reports that Xiaomi may have successfully achieved the specific design goal that Apple is currently chasing. Notebookcheck has focused on the aesthetic details of the launch, noting that new colors for the device have been officially revealed. Contextually, the release of the Xiaomi 18 Fold occurs amidst a highly competitive foldable landscape. Forbes notes the current market environment includes the success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and upgrades to devices like the Retroid Pocket 6. The urgency of the Xiaomi launch is tied to the expected movements of Apple, as the tech industry monitors how foldable technology will shift the premium smartphone segment.

The 'passport' form factor represents a specific attempt to define the compact foldable category before Apple enters the space with its own version of a folding device. Future developments will center on the official announcement from Apple regarding the iPhone Ultra to see how it compares to the Xiaomi 18 Fold. Market observers will be watching to see if the tipped price of 12,000 yuan holds true upon wider release. Comparison tests, such as those suggested by Sportskeeda Tech between the Xiaomi 18 Fold and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, will likely determine which device holds the technical advantage in the foldable category. The industry continues to track whether this specific design philosophy becomes the standard for future compact smartphones.