Xiaomi 18 Render Leaks, Shows an iPhone 16 Pro Lookalike

A new render has leaked in China, purportedly showing the upcoming Xiaomi 18 smartphone, which isn't expected to be unveiled until September 2026. The render, which should be taken with a grain of salt given the long lead time, reveals a device that bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple's iPhone 16 Pro from 2024.

The design comparison is striking. The camera island layout is very similar to Apple's implementation, though Xiaomi's appears slightly larger. The curvature of the corners seems nearly identical, and without the Xiaomi and Leica branding, most people would likely mistake this for an iPhone.

This isn't the first time Chinese smartphone manufacturers have been accused of emulating Apple's designs. The practice has become increasingly common in recent years, with several companies producing devices that closely mirror Apple's aesthetic choices in terms of camera placement, overall shape, and even software interface elements.

According to previous rumors, the Xiaomi 18 is expected to feature a 6.4-inch OLED display, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. The device will reportedly be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoC, which is not the top-tier variant that will be released later this year.

Interestingly, the more premium Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset is allegedly being reserved for the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max models due to its significantly higher price point. This suggests Xiaomi is planning a tiered approach to its flagship lineup, with the standard 18 model offering high-end features at a potentially more accessible price point.

The leak comes from Chinese sources and has been circulating on social media platforms. While render leaks can sometimes be inaccurate or represent early design concepts that change before final production, the level of detail in this particular leak suggests it may be based on actual design documents or prototypes.

Xiaomi has not yet commented on these leaks, and the company typically maintains tight control over its product announcements until official launch events. The September timeline aligns with Xiaomi's usual flagship release schedule, which typically sees new models unveiled in the fall to compete with other major manufacturers' holiday season offerings.

The design similarities between the Xiaomi 18 and iPhone 16 Pro raise questions about the balance between inspiration and imitation in the smartphone industry. While certain design elements like rectangular camera modules and curved edges have become industry standards, the degree of similarity in this case appears to go beyond functional necessity.

For consumers, this design approach could have mixed implications. On one hand, it provides access to a design language that has proven popular with users. On the other hand, it reduces the distinctiveness of the Xiaomi brand and may disappoint customers looking for more innovative or unique design choices.

As we approach the expected September launch, more details about the Xiaomi 18 are likely to emerge. The smartphone market continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers constantly seeking ways to differentiate their products while also meeting consumer expectations for familiar and functional designs.

The Xiaomi 18 leak serves as another example of the ongoing influence Apple's design philosophy has on the broader smartphone industry, particularly among Chinese manufacturers who have increasingly adopted similar aesthetic approaches in their flagship devices.