The Xiaomi 18 Fold vs iPhone Fold rivalry is heating up ahead of Apple’s expected foldable iPhone reveal, with Xiaomi’s device receiving its clearest reveal yet just days before Apple’s own September event. Tipster Ice Universe posted a video on X with the simple caption “This is the Xiaomi 18 Fold,” and Xiaomi has since officially shown the phone’s design and confirmed it will launch in China on September 7.
Xiaomi 18 Fold vs iPhone Fold: Launch Timing
Xiaomi’s launch date puts it just two days ahead of Apple’s September 9 event, where the company is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly known internally as the iPhone Ultra. This tight timing means direct comparisons between the two devices are likely to dominate tech coverage in the days surrounding both launches.
Instead of the taller design used by Xiaomi’s previous Mix Fold devices, the Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a shorter and wider “passport-style” format that Xiaomi calls a “mid-fold.” When closed, the phone has a 5.38-inch cover display, while opening it reveals a 7.58-inch internal display. Apple is expected to take a very similar approach, with recent information attributed to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman pointing to a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display.
Processors and Memory: A Key Difference
One of the biggest differences between the two devices lies inside. Xiaomi has confirmed the 18 Fold will be the first phone powered by its new 3nm XRING O3 processor, its own in-house silicon. The handset will also use LPDDR6 memory supplied by Chinese memory manufacturer CXMT, which has started mass production of the standard, with Xiaomi confirming the XRING O3 was designed specifically to support this newer memory technology.
Apple’s foldable, by contrast, is expected to use its latest Pro-class processor and in-house modem, with reports currently pointing to the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, though Apple has not confirmed either specification ahead of its event.
Camera Systems Compared
The Xiaomi 18 Fold appears to take a more ambitious approach to cameras. A recent leak points to a Leica Summilux triple-camera system, including an f/1.7 main camera, a 17mm ultrawide and a 3.5x periscope telephoto camera. Xiaomi has confirmed the triple-camera layout and its Leica partnership, though it has not yet officially detailed the full specifications.
Apple’s foldable, meanwhile, reportedly uses a 48MP main camera and an ultrawide camera without a dedicated telephoto lens. On paper, this could give Xiaomi a more flexible rear camera system, though actual image quality cannot be fairly compared until both phones are released and tested.
Software and Design Philosophy
The Xiaomi 18 Fold will run HyperOS 4 and use Xiaomi’s MiMo AI model locally on the device. Apple, meanwhile, appears to be placing more emphasis on foldable-specific software and hinge durability. Gurman says the upcoming iPhone will use a highly durable hinge with a minimal display crease, while iOS 27 is expected to introduce iPad-style layouts, side-by-side apps, and drag-and-drop functionality between applications when the phone is unfolded.
Pricing Expectations
Apple’s foldable is expected to start above $2,000, while Xiaomi has not yet revealed pricing for the 18 Fold ahead of its September 7 launch. With both devices converging on remarkably similar wide-screen foldable designs and launching within days of each other, the Xiaomi 18 Fold vs iPhone Fold comparison is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched device rivalries of the year.
For more on upcoming smartphone launches, see our technology news section. Background on Xiaomi’s product lineup is available on the official Xiaomi website.