Image: Xiaomi / Apple (edited)
Xiaomi, a prominent name in the consumer electronics industry, is renowned for its innovative approach to technology. The Chinese tech behemoth has garnered considerable attention in the global smartphone market, boasting a market share that ranks just below Apple and Samsung.
As the company embarks on its sixteenth iteration of flagship smartphones, it is also celebrated for producing some of the best camera phones available.
Throughout its history, Xiaomi has taken bold risks to differentiate itself from competitors, playing a significant role in the advancement of technology within the consumer sector.
However, with the launch of the new Xiaomi 17 series, the company appears to be taking a step backward. Instead of showcasing groundbreaking innovation, it seems to mirror another company’s design ethos rather closely.
The Xiaomi 17 series debuted in China just two weeks after Apple introduced its own iPhone 17 series, and the parallels are striking.
Unlucky Number 16
If you are familiar with the Chinese smartphone landscape, the launch of the 17 series as the sixteenth generation will not come as a surprise.
Due to the superstition surrounding the number four, which is often considered unlucky in China, many Chinese smartphone manufacturers skip this number entirely. Though Xiaomi had previously launched the Mi 4 back in 2014, this time the company opted to bypass the number 16 altogether, transitioning directly to the Xiaomi 17 series as a successor to the Xiaomi 15 series.
Xiaomi
In an announcement on Weibo, company Partner and President Lu Weibing explained that Xiaomi is “directly competing with the iPhone in the same generation and at the same level.” This suggests a clear desperation to align its flagship models’ numbering with Apple’s.
This adjustment reflects a broader desire for prominence, evidenced by the Xiaomi 17 series, which includes the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — titles that closely echo Apple’s iPhone naming scheme.
The risks associated with this naming strategy are twofold. Firstly, it creates unnecessary confusion for consumers who may be searching for successors to previous models. Secondly, this approach risks positioning the Xiaomi 17 as mere alternatives to the iPhone rather than credible competitors.
A New Design? Think Again
While credit is due to Xiaomi for featuring a rear screen on the 17 Pro and Pro Max — something that Apple does not offer — the overall design appears to take significant inspiration from the iPhone 17 models.
Both the Xiaomi and Apple designs showcase a camera bar that spans the device’s upper rear, albeit with a grouping of lenses on one side. With identical display dimensions (6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max) and rounded corners, it is not difficult to see the parallels between the Xiaomi 17 series and Apple’s offerings.
Xiaomi
This design homogeneity certainly raises questions about whether Xiaomi should aim for such a standardized aesthetic.
HyperOS? More Like iOS Lite
While Xiaomi fans might champion the company’s unique software experience, it appears that the newly introduced HyperOS 3 is leaning closer to Apple’s interface.
HyperOS 3 remains rooted in Android architecture, diverging distinctly from iOS; however, recent updates showcase an increasing resemblance to Apple’s iOS platforms. The notifications and settings panel layout eerily mirrors their Apple counterparts.
In fact, Xiaomi’s representation of Apple’s Dynamic Island rebranded as “Xiaomi HyperIsland” showcases their inclination to adopt popular features from iOS. The fresh lock screen customization options and home screen navigation evoke the feel of iOS, specifically when utilizing traditional settings.
Xiaomi
While HyperOS 3 contains features that Apple’s iOS lacks, the general interface seems to echo the overall aesthetics of Apple’s software.
Why Is Xiaomi Copying the iPhone?
The decision for Xiaomi to adopt this approach raises critical questions regarding its strategic vision.
One possible explanation is the desire to increase market share. Despite Xiaomi’s significant presence in China, it still commands less than half the smartphone market compared to Apple’s influence. Moreover, Apple remains highly successful in markets such as the United States, where Xiaomi has yet to establish a formidable foothold.
In Europe, where Xiaomi has made significant strides in market penetration, competing with Apple’s well-established brand could present an opportunity for enhanced growth. By mirroring the iPhone’s success, Xiaomi might aim to solidify its position as a leading contender in the smartphone ecosystem.
However, many believe that Xiaomi has the capability to create exceptional devices that can stand alone against Apple’s offerings. Assuming this path suggests an unnecessary compromise on innovation and brand identity.
It remains to be seen whether Xiaomi will evolve back into producing original and ambitious products or continue down a path that could potentially define its legacy as a mere reflection of Apple.
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