The phones bring hardware privacy controls to more apps, and Xiaomi plans an international launch later this year.
Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China today. Both phones pair a 6.4-inch or 6.9-inch front display with a rear screen, two 200-megapixel cameras, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips. Xiaomi also added hardware-level privacy controls that activate for specific apps.
Samsung introduced a privacy display this year on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Xiaomi’s version expands the idea to notifications, floating windows, and split-screen views. The mode can trigger by location, such as at work, airports, or elevators, and use the selfie camera to detect onlookers. The launch follows new flagships from Vivo and Oppo this week.
For operators, app-specific privacy controls reduce the need to dim or hide an entire screen while using a specific app. The same controls can support split-screen workflows, floating windows, and notifications without forcing users to disable the display. Developers can map privacy triggers to locations such as offices, airports, and elevators.
Xiaomi will launch at least one 18 Pro phone outside China later this year, and the company has not confirmed whether the 18 Fold will leave China. The regular Xiaomi 18 and 18 Ultra likely arrive next spring. Buyers should watch global availability, because the 18 Pro starts at ¥5,999, or about $900, in China.
What matters
- Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China with 200-megapixel cameras and rear displays.
- App-specific privacy modes let operators protect sensitive screens without disabling the full display.
- Watch for an international launch later this year, but Xiaomi has not said if the 18 Fold will leave China.
Why it matters
Watch for an international launch later this year, but Xiaomi has not said if the 18 Fold will leave China.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by The Verge. Source reference: https://www.theverge.com/tech/999253/xiaomi-18-pro-max-privacy-display-launch-china.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.