The launch of a Xiaomi NAS device appears to be on the horizon. Recently, users discovered the "Xiaomi Smart Storage" app briefly appearing on the Apple App Store, though it is currently no longer searchable, potentially indicating final preparations for the product's market debut.

Based on screenshots of the exposed app, the interface features five primary menus at the bottom: Home, Albums, Files, Video, and My Account. This suggests the NAS will likely offer direct backup for photos and files from mobile devices and include a video wall feature.

The device reset interface within the app hints at a dual-bay design for the NAS. The rear panel is shown to include, besides a power port and power button, one network port, one USB-A port, and one HDMI port.

Previously, Chen Bo, General Manager of Xiaomi's Ecosystem Chain, stated that the company's first NAS would not be overly geared towards tech enthusiasts, omitting support for features like Docker and virtual machines. The primary goal is to lower the barrier to entry, making NAS technology accessible to a broader audience.

It can be inferred that Xiaomi's inaugural NAS device is targeted at general household users, with an expected competitive price point. However, the current high prices of hard drives could potentially impact the market performance of NAS products.

The development timeline for the Xiaomi NAS has been notably protracted. Rumors of Xiaomi entering the NAS market first emerged in May 2024, which the company initially denied. By November of that year, reports indicated the project had been formally greenlit.

Subsequent rumors suggested a launch alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in December 2025, but the product failed to materialize as planned, reportedly due to soaring storage component costs.

As recently as last month, several tech bloggers reported that the Xiaomi NAS project had been put on hold, citing persistently high storage prices and a lack of cost-effective components for mass production.

The recent brief appearance of the Xiaomi Smart Storage app on the App Store, however, suggests the project is still in active development. The next Xiaomi launch event may finally unveil this product, whose journey from rumor to potential release has spanned nearly two years.