Devices Ending Major OS Upgrades
Among the models concluding their Android version upgrades at Android 15 are several popular devices from Xiaomi’s portfolio, including:
- POCO Series: POCO C65, F5, F5 Pro, M6, X6 Neo
- Redmi Series: Redmi 12, 12 5G, 13C, 13C 5G, 13R, K50, K60, and numerous Note 12 and 13 variants
- Xiaomi Flagships: Extensive coverage includes Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, 12S, 12S Pro, 12S Ultra, 12T, 12T Pro, Xiaomi Civi, and Mix Fold 2
This confirms that these smartphones will not progress to Android 16, and will instead get HyperOS 3 and limited maintenance updates thereafter[paraphrased].
What This Means for Users
With HyperOS 3 coming to these devices, Xiaomi aims to optimize and polish the user experience based on Android 15. Enhancements include a new, sleek ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, refined control centers, smoother animations, and improved stability to extend the usability of these phones. After this last major upgrade, however, users should expect no further feature updates—only security patches to protect their devices[paraphrased].
The Implications of Xiaomi’s Update Policy
Industry Context
The decision to cap major updates and pivot resources toward newer devices is consistent with industry standards, where smartphones typically receive 2-3 major Android updates. Brands like Samsung and Google often promise longer support for their flagship models but limit budget and mid-range phones to fewer cycles. Xiaomi, with its multiple sub-brands, has adopted an update timeline that balances innovation with cost.
Impact on Consumers
For buyers of the affected Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models, this announcement marks the beginning of a shift toward legacy status. While these devices remain secure and functional, they won’t benefit from new Android features arriving with Android 16 or later versions. Potential buyers may want to consider this when choosing models, especially if software longevity is a priority[paraphrased].
HyperOS 3: Features and Benefits for Eligible Xiaomi Phones
HyperOS 3, built on Android 15, is designed to bring a refreshed experience to supported devices. Users can expect:
- An elegant, minimalistic UI with improved fluidity and ‘Liquid Glass’-inspired aesthetics
- Enhanced control center editing and widget customization
- AI-driven system optimizations for smoother multitasking and app management
This focused refinement approach underlines Xiaomi’s commitment to maintaining device performance and user satisfaction even as hardware ages[paraphrased].
Xiaomi’s Balanced Approach to Software Updates
Xiaomi’s announcement confirms that while 31 smartphones will not receive Android 16, their journey continues with HyperOS 3 and extended security support. This pragmatic approach ensures Xiaomi can allocate development resources efficiently while providing a good software experience for most users. For consumers, particularly those in markets like India and Southeast Asia, understanding this update strategy is crucial in making informed purchasing decisions going forward.
By blending technological advancement with pragmatic lifecycle management, Xiaomi solidifies its position as a brand committed to broad coverage and reasonable user expectations in the evolving Android ecosystem.
