Xiaomi is reportedly planning to change the naming scheme of its HyperOS, aligning it with the calendar year — a move that mirrors Apple’s rumored strategy for its upcoming operating systems.
According to recent reports, the Chinese tech giant could skip “HyperOS 3” and instead launch “HyperOS 26,” based on Android 16, later this year.
The revised naming convention would help simplify product tracking for users, making it easier to associate each OS version with its release year.
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26 in 2025 instead of continuing with the existing numerical sequence like iOS 19. The shift is designed to reduce confusion, streamline marketing, and make release timelines clearer.
Xiaomi appears to be embracing a similar approach. If the change is finalized, HyperOS 26 could debut as early as October or November 2025, in line with the expected annual schedule. The move is seen as a user-friendly update, helping consumers and developers easily identify and reference the latest OS versions without needing to recall arbitrary version numbers.
However, the naming strategy could present logistical challenges for Xiaomi. Adopting a calendar-based system would require the company to maintain a strict release cycle to match each year’s version, leaving little room for delays or unexpected development setbacks. Falling behind could disrupt branding consistency and user expectations.
Despite potential hurdles, aligning OS versions with calendar years could offer long-term benefits for brand clarity and consumer communication. As Xiaomi prepares for the launch of its next HyperOS update, more details are likely to emerge in the coming months.
If confirmed, the new naming convention would mark a significant change in Xiaomi’s software strategy — one that aligns more closely with global trends and may influence other manufacturers to follow suit.