Xiaomi launches premium foldable smartphone and in-house chip

Xiaomi is expanding its presence in the premium technology market with the debut of the Xiaomi 18 Fold, a high-end foldable smartphone. The device features a new hinge architecture, a display with 4,000 nits peak brightness, and a camera system developed in cooperation with Leica.

Central to this hardware push is the introduction of the in-house XRing-O3 processor. Manufactured using a 3-nanometer process, the chip powers both the Xiaomi 18 Fold and the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max tablet. The chip's integrated graphics unit reportedly offers an 85 percent performance increase over its predecessor, signaling Xiaomi's strategic move to reduce reliance on external semiconductor suppliers.

On a diplomatic level, reports suggest Xiaomi executives may join Chinese President Xi Jinping on a high-level delegation to Washington, scheduled for September 24. This potential inclusion comes as the company navigates increased technological competition and regulatory challenges in international markets.