Xiaomi 18 Fold to Steal the Show Ahead of iPhone Fold – Again

The Xiaomi 18 Fold has revealed its design, coming just days before Apple prepares to unveil its first foldable iPhone at an event on September 9. Ice Universe shared a video with the caption, "This is the Xiaomi 18 Fold." Xiaomi will launch the phone in China on September 7, just two days ahead of Apple's event. The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a shorter and wider "passport-style" form factor, as opposed to the taller design of Xiaomi's previous Mix Fold devices.

The phone features a 5.38-inch cover display and a 7.58-inch internal display once opened. The device's rear camera module includes three cameras and an LED flash, with Leica involved in its development. Apple's foldable is expected to follow a similar wide-screen design, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display.

Recent reports suggest Apple will use its latest Pro-class processor and modem, although details are unconfirmed. Xiaomi will be the first phone to use its new 3nm XRING O3 processor and LPDDR6 memory supplied by Chinese manufacturer CXMT. The Xiaomi 18 Fold may have an advantage in its camera system, featuring a Leica Summilux triple-camera setup with an f/1.7 main camera, a 17mm ultrawide, and a 3.5x periscope telephoto lens.

Apple's foldable is rumored to have a 48MP main camera and an ultrawide camera without a dedicated telephoto lens. Both devices are anticipated to launch around the same time, making them direct competitors with similar wide-screen foldable designs.