Xiaomi has shown that it is capable of using powerful self-developed OS and chips instead of foreign components for its top-end smartphone devices, and this strategy will take a big shape in 2026. Yes, the company is seemingly planning something bigger for this year.
The Chinese phone maker launched its first self-made chip, XRING o1, in 2025 with the Xiaomi 15S Pro phone. The ultimate creation offered a very significant performance upgrade, proving that the company can rely on its own technologies.
As for now, the company has registered for the XRING 02 trademark for the upcoming smartphones. It is expected to debut with the Xiaomi 17S Pro handset in May.
But looks like that’s not the only surprise the OEM has for its consumers. A few rumors suggest that apart from self-made chips, Xiaomi is working on a special smartphone that will bring its own operating system and AI capabilities in 2026.
Several leaked inputs revealed that Xiaomi will soon launch an XRING 02-powered smartphone running on a customized operating system and a native AI version.
If the new strategy leads to fruitful results, Xiaomi will become the second Chinese phone maker to achieve victory in the self-made tech path. The first is, of course, Huawei!
A plan similar to that of Huawei’s?
Huawei is the first brand in China to go beyond US tech reliance and use its self-developed chips, operating system, and AI technologies for all of its devices.
From smartphones to home appliances, and more, Huawei uses Kirin or Ascend chips and HarmonyOS to power up its products instead of going for foreign components or technical parts. Though it’s due to the US ban, it proved helpful for the firm.
Perhaps Xiaomi has a similar game plan for this year. Its new chip will likely run on 3nm process tech. Though it may continue to use CPU and GPU designs from ARM, since it is still free from the US sanctions and doesn’t have to worry about using such components to remain ahead in the smartphone race.
Let’s wait and see how Xiaomi will meet its new goal this year.
(Image Credits: Xiaomi)
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