Xiaomi 17 Fold: Major Name Change Ahead of 2026 Launch

Key Takeaways

1. Xiaomi launched its new flagship candybar smartphones: Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max to compete with the iPhone 17 series.
2. There is currently no new foldable device from Xiaomi, as plans for the MIX Fold 5 have been scrapped.
3. Xiaomi is reportedly resuming work on a new foldable device, with a possible launch in early 2026.
4. The upcoming foldable device is speculated to be named Xiaomi 17 Fold, based on its model number ‘26023PN08C’.
5. Some camera hardware specifications for the new foldable have surfaced online, indicating a focus on camera features.

Xiaomi has recently launched its new flagship candybar smartphones in its home country. The company has introduced the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, aiming to compete directly with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, there is currently no sign of an alternative to the Oppo Find N5, Magic V5, and Galaxy Z Fold7, which is listed at $1,899 on Amazon.

Foldable Phones on Hold

Usually, Xiaomi would have presented a new foldable model from its MIX Fold series by this time. To recap, the brand has been releasing annual updates to the MIX Fold line since 2021, starting with the original Mix Fold. Nonetheless, reports earlier this year suggested that Xiaomi scrapped plans for a MIX Fold 5 set to launch in 2025.

A New Development

It seems that Xiaomi has resumed work on its next foldable device, especially now that all the major book-style foldables have been released. Currently, rumors indicate that Xiaomi is working on a device with the model number ‘26023PN08C’, hinting at a launch in early 2026, possibly around February.

The presence of ‘PN’ instead of ‘PX’ in the model number indicates that Xiaomi is positioning the 26023PN08C as part of its main flagship series, similar to the Xiaomi 17. Given that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been seen with a different model number, XiaomiTime has speculated that the 26023PN08C might be launched as the Xiaomi 17 Fold. Additionally, some camera hardware specs have surfaced online, and we have provided full coverage of those details separately.

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