After a year of relative quiet, rumors surrounding Xiaomi's potential entry into the tri-fold smartphone market have reignited. A new device listing in a global certification database has sparked fresh speculation, suggesting the Chinese tech giant is actively developing a competitor to devices like the Huawei Mate XT and Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. This development points to an increasingly crowded and innovative segment in the foldable phone space.
A New Certification Sparks Speculation
The catalyst for the renewed rumors is the appearance of a Xiaomi device with the model number 2608BPX34C in the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) database. While model numbers themselves are cryptic, industry observers and outlets like XiaomiTime have connected this listing to long-standing rumors of a Xiaomi tri-fold. This certification is a necessary step for a device to be approved for use on cellular networks, indicating that the product is moving beyond internal prototyping and into a phase of regulatory testing. The discovery suggests that after patents and early whispers, a tangible product is now in the pipeline.
Key Details from Recent Leak & Past Rumors:
- Model Number: 2608BPX34C (spotted in GSMA database)
- Possible Name: Xiaomi Mix Trifold
- Past Design Patent: Showed a Huawei Mate XT-like folding scheme with a horizontal camera bar (triple-lens).
- Potential Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series (e.g., a future "Snapdragon 8 Elite" variant).
- Launch Region: Uncertain; Mix Flip 2 was China-only, setting a potential precedent.
The Rumored 2026 Foldable Lineup
Reports suggest this tri-fold device is part of a broader foldable strategy for Xiaomi in 2026. According to the rumors, the company plans to launch three new foldables next year. The first wave, expected in the first quarter, is said to include a new book-style foldable tentatively called the Xiaomi 17 Fold and the successor to the clamshell-style Mix Flip 2, potentially named the Mix Flip 3. The tri-fold device, speculated to be branded the "Mix Trifold," is reportedly slated for a later release in the third quarter of 2026. This staggered launch would allow Xiaomi to address multiple form factors and price points within the competitive foldable market.
Reported Xiaomi 2026 Foldable Lineup (Rumored):
- Q1 2026: Xiaomi 17 Fold (book-style) & Mix Flip 3 (clamshell-style)
- Q3 2026: Xiaomi Mix Trifold (tri-fold style)
Design and Specification Clues from the Past
Although the GSMA listing reveals no specifications, earlier clues provide a glimpse of what Xiaomi might be planning. A patent filing from Xiaomi in China, surfaced over a year ago, included renders of a tri-fold device. The design appeared to follow a folding scheme similar to Huawei's Mate XT. The patent images also showed a horizontal camera bar housing a triple-lens setup, a design language reminiscent of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. It has been speculated that the device could be powered by a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series chipset, likely whatever the flagship platform is in late 2026. However, it remains to be seen how much the final product will resemble these early concepts.
Market Context and Launch Uncertainties
Xiaomi's potential entry comes as the tri-fold category begins to gain momentum. Huawei pioneered the space, and Samsung's recent commercial release has validated the form factor for a global audience. For Xiaomi, a tri-fold represents an opportunity to showcase its engineering prowess and compete at the premium tier. However, a significant uncertainty hangs over its international availability. Xiaomi notably chose not to launch the Mix Flip 2 globally, keeping it as a China-exclusive product. This precedent raises questions about whether a future Mix Trifold would see a worldwide release or remain focused on its domestic market, a decision that could significantly impact its perception as a true rival to Samsung and Huawei in the West.
The Road Ahead for Foldable Innovation
The re-emergence of the Xiaomi tri-fold rumor underscores the fierce innovation race in the smartphone industry, particularly within the foldable segment. As screens fold twice, engineers face compounded challenges related to durability, crease visibility, weight, and software optimization. If Xiaomi proceeds with a late 2026 launch, it will have had considerable time to refine its design based on the market's reception to the first generation of tri-folds from its competitors. For consumers, this competition promises more choice and potentially faster advancements in making these complex devices more practical, durable, and affordable for everyday use.