3 Minutes
Xiaomi appears to have shelved development of two anticipated phones: the Mix Flip 3 foldable and the midrange Civi 6. The unexpected move, revealed by a Chinese leaker, raises fresh questions about Xiaomi's hardware roadmap for 2026.
Why Xiaomi might pause these models
A Chinese source with a history of posting device leaks suggested that Xiaomi will not launch new iterations of a small clamshell foldable and a midrange model in 2026. According to the tipster, underwhelming sales of the current generations prompted the company to halt development—at least temporarily.
Think about it: the Mix Flip positioned itself as Xiaomi’s shell-style competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, combining an attractive design with competitive pricing. Yet despite those advantages, sales reportedly fell short of expectations. The Civi 5, Xiaomi's midrange contender, also failed to capture strong market traction, weakening the case for a direct successor.
What the leaks and sightings reveal
There’s no official confirmation from Xiaomi, but the rumor gained traction because the Mix Flip 3 had reportedly surfaced in the IMEI database under model numbers 2603APX0AC and 2603EPX2DC. That kind of registration often hints at imminent launches—but it doesn’t guarantee a final product.
The original post didn’t name Xiaomi explicitly; it referenced “a well-known brand” and mentioned both a small foldable and a midrange device. Many readers in the Weibo comment threads interpreted the hints as pointing to Xiaomi’s Mix Flip 3 and Civi 6, which were widely expected in 2026.
What it means for consumers and the market
If Xiaomi truly pauses these projects, the company may be reallocating resources to stronger-performing lines or rethinking pricing and feature strategies for foldables and midrange phones. For consumers, that could mean a longer wait for a refined Mix Flip successor—or a different design direction altogether.
For rival brands, the move could be an opportunity to capture more midrange buyers and foldable attention while Xiaomi recalibrates. For enthusiasts tracking smartphone leaks, watch for supplier filings, certification entries, or fresh IMEI sightings—those are often the earliest signals that a device is still alive.
Until Xiaomi issues an official statement, the fate of Mix Flip 3 and Civi 6 remains speculative. But the story highlights a larger shift: even innovative designs need sustainable sales to survive in a crowded smartphone market.
Comments
Marlo
is this even true? IMEI entries dont always mean a launch, could be prototypes or internal tests. if sales poor they might pivot, not kill it..
dataflux
wow didnt expect xiaomi to shelve the Mix Flip 3... it actually looked like a proper flip. Civi 6 failing too? market is brutal, sad lol
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