Xiaomi 18 Pro leak shows dedicated AI button for smart home control and connected car features

Xiaomi 18 Pro surfaces with dedicated physical AI button

The Xiaomi 18 Pro smartphone leak has emerged through design renders posted by Leo Hefeng, who identifies as a Xiaomi employee on X. The images showcase a dedicated physical AI button positioned centrally on the device's side, marking a shift from how most manufacturers bury AI features inside assistants or behind long-press shortcuts2

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. This AI button will offer customizable AI functions, allowing users to launch AI features instantly, control smart home functionalities, and interact with connected car features including compatible Xiaomi EVs1

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. According to the leak, users will access features like Xiaomi miclaw in any situation with a single click, providing one-tap control for various AI-powered tasks3

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Rear secondary display returns as AI-powered smart window

The Xiaomi 18 Pro continues the design language established by the Xiaomi 17 Pro, retaining the rear secondary display that proved successful with the previous generation. Xiaomi has upgraded this feature into what they call an AI-powered smart window, building on the foundation of the Xiaomi 17 Pro's rear screen capabilities2

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. The enhanced display reportedly improves live translation, notification controls, and selfie viewfinding functions. The rear screen sits within a rectangular camera module alongside the device's dual camera sensors, maintaining a design aesthetic similar to its predecessor while adding new AI-driven functionality3

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Dual 200-megapixel cameras and 7,000mAh battery highlight hardware specs

Hardware specifications point to significant upgrades across the board. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is projected to feature dual 200-megapixel cameras covering both the main sensor and 3x telephoto capabilities, a substantial leap in imaging hardware1

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. The device will reportedly house a 7,000mAh battery or larger, supporting both 100W wired fast charging and wireless charging, alongside a full waterproof rating3

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. Display specifications suggest a 6.3-inch 2K LTPO OLED display, while the processor is expected to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip2

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Launch timeline and strategic positioning

Most sources point to a September 2026 launch in China, aligning with Xiaomi's release pattern for the 17 Pro Max last year. The Xiaomi 17 Pro launched in September 2025 at CNY 5,999 (roughly Rs. 75,000) for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage3

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. These specifications underscore Xiaomi's strategic direction in the smartphone market, emphasizing adaptability in design and functionality while making AI feel less buried in menus. The company has yet to confirm any details, and with approximately five months until the rumored launch, specifications could still change before the final product reaches consumers.