Xiaomi’s upcoming foldable was showcased behind glass ahead of its official launch next week
Xiaomi has offered an early look at its upcoming 18 Fold foldable smartphone at IFA 2026, giving visitors a closer view of the device ahead of its official unveiling next week.
Although the handset was displayed behind glass, preventing visitors from handling it, its design offered plenty to admire. The most noticeable feature was its bright red finish, which appeared even more vibrant in person than in previously leaked images.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold adopts a short and wide “passport” form factor, following a design trend that has recently gained attention in the foldable smartphone market. The wider body gives the device a distinctive appearance compared with taller, narrower foldables.
Xiaomi has also opted for rounded corners, which distinguish the 18 Fold from competing designs such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8. The softer edges could make the phone more comfortable to hold, particularly during extended use.
The cover display measures 5.38 inches and has an unusual appearance because of the device’s rounded design. Its left side looks more squared off, while the right-hand corners are more rounded.
The main internal display measures 7.58 inches and features slim-looking bezels. The display crease was difficult to notice from most viewing angles during the IFA showcase. However, a hands-on assessment will be needed to properly judge the crease and overall ergonomics.
The inner screen also features a punch-hole cutout in the top-right corner for the selfie camera. A second front-facing camera is positioned on the cover display.
At the rear, Xiaomi has placed three cameras inside a prominent visor-style module. The setup is expected to include a main camera, telephoto lens and ultrawide camera, although Xiaomi has yet to provide complete details.
The company has already confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Fold will be powered by its in-house Xring O3 chipset. Recent benchmark appearances suggest the processor could deliver strong performance.
More specifications, pricing and availability details are expected to be revealed during the official launch next week.