Xiaomi 18 Series Rumored to Feature Dedicated AI Button and Refined Design
New details have emerged about an upcoming flagship smartphone series, widely believed to be the Xiaomi 18. According to a prominent leaker on Weibo, Digital Chat Station, the new series will maintain the overall design language of its predecessor while introducing several key upgrades, including a dedicated AI button and enhanced display technology.
The leak suggests that the industrial design (ID) of the next-generation flagship will see no major overhaul. However, the device will reportedly be available in two sizes, both featuring LIPO (Low-pressure Injection Overmolding) displays with even narrower bezels than before. This indicates a continued focus on maximizing screen real estate and providing an immersive viewing experience.
One of the most significant changes is the reported addition of a dedicated AI hardware button. This suggests a deeper integration of AI functionalities into the user experience, allowing for quick access to an AI assistant or other smart features. This move marks a return to a concept Xiaomi previously explored with models like the MIX 3 and Mi 9, which featured a button to summon the Xiao Ai assistant.
Beyond the AI button, the leak points to an upgraded ultra-large matrix rear camera module with improved craftsmanship. The device is also expected to offer a variety of material choices, including glass and fiberglass. A new transparent fiberglass material is reportedly being tested, alongside a photochromic solution that would allow the phone's color to change based on light exposure. The color schemes for the engineering prototypes are described as being bolder and more fashionable.
Previous reports from the same source have also hinted at a small-screen variant, likely the Xiaomi 18 Pro, which could feature a 2D flat display with extremely narrow, symmetrical LIPO bezels, possibly even slimmer than the current generation. Based on the available information, the Xiaomi 18 series is shaping up to be a thoughtful evolution, blending a familiar, successful design with a renewed focus on AI integration and premium material finishes.