According to a post on X platform on August 17, tipster Kartikey Singh indicated that Xiaomi might skip releasing the 18 Ultra model in international markets.

The translated post reads: "Xiaomi has canceled the 18 Ultra project," which, based on context, likely refers to the global version being shelved, while details on the domestic China release remain unclear. In a follow-up tweet, Singh noted that Xiaomi is still developing advanced imaging technology internally, suggesting the Ultra lineup—presumably the international variant—has not been completely abandoned.

Singh is an active tech leaker on overseas social media, primarily focusing on Chinese smartphone brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo, along with their global and domestic product strategies.

Where to begin

Reports also suggest that OPPO and vivo are trimming their plans for Ultra-tier smartphones in overseas markets, reflecting a broader shift among Chinese manufacturers to prioritize domestic launches for high-end devices while adopting a more cautious approach internationally.

Why such a narrow focus?

This trend underscores the challenges of marketing premium devices abroad, including higher costs and intense competition, prompting brands to streamline their global portfolios without entirely dropping their flagship ambitions.