Technology
Xiaomi 18 Ultra Reportedly Scrapped: ‘Pro Max’ Could Become New Top Flagship as Oppo and Vivo Eye Similar Move
A new leak claims Xiaomi could abandon its Ultra branding for the next flagship generation, with the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max potentially taking the top spot — and Oppo and Vivo may be considering a similar global strategy.
Xiaomi could be preparing a major shake-up to its flagship smartphone strategy.
The company’s next numbered flagship lineup, widely expected to be called the Xiaomi 18 series, is reportedly being planned without the traditionally positioned Ultra model. Instead, a new Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could become the most powerful and premium phone in the range.
The information comes from tipster Kartikey Singh, who claimed in a post on X that Xiaomi has decided to scrap the Xiaomi 18 Ultra.
If the report proves accurate, the move would represent a significant departure from Xiaomi’s recent flagship approach, where the Ultra model has typically occupied the top position in the numbered series.
Xiaomi 18 Ultra could be replaced by Pro Max
Rather than launching a Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Ultra, the company could reportedly introduce three models:
- Xiaomi 18
- Xiaomi 18 Pro
- Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
The Pro Max would effectively take over the role traditionally reserved for the Ultra, positioning it as the most premium device in the lineup.
This could also mean that Xiaomi is looking to differentiate its flagship strategy through a naming change rather than abandoning the idea of a top-tier smartphone altogether.
For consumers, the change could be more than cosmetic if the Pro Max inherits the high-end camera, display, battery and performance hardware previously associated with Xiaomi’s Ultra phones.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max specifications could be huge
Earlier rumours have already pointed towards an ambitious hardware package for the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max.
The phone is reportedly expected to feature a 6.9-inch display, making it one of the larger flagship smartphones in Xiaomi’s portfolio.
The camera system could also receive a major upgrade, with reports suggesting a 200-megapixel rear camera setup.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the battery. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is tipped to feature a battery of around 8,500mAh.
If that capacity makes it into the final device, Xiaomi could be positioning the Pro Max not just as a camera-focused flagship, but also as a phone aimed at users who prioritise long battery life and heavy usage.
However, these specifications remain based on reports and leaks, and Xiaomi has not officially confirmed the device or its hardware.
Xiaomi 18 Pro series may come to India
The reported change in Xiaomi’s flagship lineup could be particularly interesting for Indian buyers.
Previous reports have suggested that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series could launch in India in December, potentially bringing both the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max to the market.
The strategy would be different from the company’s approach to its previous numbered flagship lineup.
The Xiaomi 17 launched in India in March 2026 alongside an Ultra model, while the company did not bring the Pro variants from its numbered flagship series to the Indian market.
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If Xiaomi changes that approach with the Xiaomi 18 generation, Indian consumers could potentially get access to a broader flagship range.
Oppo and Vivo could also move away from Ultra globally
The Xiaomi leak becomes even more interesting because the tipster reportedly claims that Oppo and Vivo could be considering a similar strategy.
According to the report, both companies may decide against launching their next-generation Ultra smartphones in global markets.
That does not necessarily mean the Ultra models will disappear completely.
The leak suggests that Oppo and Vivo could still introduce their next Ultra-branded devices in China, while choosing not to bring them to international markets.
Such a strategy would allow the brands to continue experimenting with ultra-premium hardware in their home market while potentially simplifying their global flagship portfolios.
Why the Ultra strategy could be changing
The Ultra name has become increasingly associated with the most expensive and feature-packed smartphones from major Chinese brands.
But premium smartphone launches involve high costs, particularly when brands have to adapt hardware, software and regulatory requirements for multiple international markets.
A move towards a Pro Max branding strategy could therefore help companies create a top-end flagship without relying on the Ultra name globally.
For Xiaomi, the reported Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could become the company’s new flagship hero product, even if the Ultra badge disappears.
For now, however, it is important to treat the report cautiously. Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have not officially confirmed these changes, and flagship lineups can change considerably before launch.
If the rumours turn out to be accurate, the next generation of premium smartphones could look very different — with the familiar Ultra badge losing ground to Pro Max as Chinese smartphone makers rethink their global flagship strategy.
