Xiaomi HyperOS 4 to require Android 17, skipping Android 16 devices

Xiaomi is preparing to roll out HyperOS 4, which introduces a significant visual evolution to its ecosystem. A major highlight of the update is a completely overhauled Camera UI designed for better one-handed operation. The redesign features a cleaner viewfinder, streamlined controls using glassmorphism panels, and integrated MiSans typography to improve legibility.

However, internal source code analysis reveals that HyperOS 4 will be developed exclusively for devices running Android 17. This strategic shift means that smartphones currently running Android 16 will not receive the major feature update. Affected popular models include several Redmi and POCO devices, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G, Redmi Note 14S, Poco X6 5G, and Poco M6 Pro 4G.

While these devices will miss the HyperOS 4 feature jump, Xiaomi will continue to provide security patches for many of them through 2028 or 2029. Additionally, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is reportedly excluded from the new camera UI redesign due to specific co-engineering and licensing boundaries between Xiaomi and Leica.