Why the Xiaomi 18 Fold is a carrot on a stick
The big question, aside from the price, is whether Apple can perfect the form factor on its first attempt. The iPhone Ultra, iPhone Fold – or whatever it will be called – is rumoured to come in a widescreen ‘passport-style’ shape.
Android makers have already been getting ahead of this shift with the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (below), which dramatically changed the aspect ratios of the screens compared to its predecessors.
Luke Baker
It’s been a huge hit, despite the trials and tribulations of the tech world in 2026, and Xiaomi is the next in the widescreen foldable queue.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold launches in earnest today. Oddly, it hasn’t been comprehensively leaked ahead of time in the usual fashion.
The launch date, just two days before the big Apple event, is no coincidence. However, there’s a big problem here.
It’s all very well having Xiaomi make a big song and dance about its iPhone Ultra rival on the same week, but I believe this is a carrot on a stick for many prospective buyers.