Xiaomi has halted development of its planned 18 Ultra flagship, according to a new industry leak, effectively removing a direct high-end rival to next year’s anticipated Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra from the company’s upcoming lineup. The decision appears to close months of speculation about the device’s future.
Shift in the premium tier lineup
The information, shared by leaker Kartikey Singh, indicates that Xiaomi will not field an “Ultra” model in its next-generation smartphone series. Instead, the product range will top out with the Xiaomi 18 Pro and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. Both handsets are still expected to offer upgraded camera systems, and at least one is tipped for a global launch.
Rising component costs reshape strategy
While the company has not publicly stated a reason, rising memory prices are widely believed to be the driving factor behind the cancellation. Reports suggest the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max will undergo a significant price hike that pushes it into the same bracket previously occupied by the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Positioning a further premium 18 Ultra on top of that would likely have resulted in a price point considered commercially untenable.
What comes next for Ultra fans
The leaker adds that Xiaomi plans to return to its traditional flagship strategy with the Xiaomi 19 Ultra the following year. Until then, consumers seeking the most advanced Xiaomi hardware will need to choose between the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, as the brand recalibrates its lineup in response to component cost pressures without abandoning its high-end ambitions entirely.
Source: x.com