HyperOS 3: Xiaomi gives the 15T series the big update – more to follow

Xiaomi, the next major smartphone manufacturer after Google, Samsung, and Sony, has started distributing its major update to HyperOS 3 for its first smartphones. Curiously, Xiaomi does not explicitly state that the OS overlay is based on Android 16.

Xiaomi announced the global launch of its new operating system, HyperOS 3, via the social media platform X the global launch. The models of the 15T series, consisting of the Xiaomi 15T and the Xiaomi 15T Pro, will be the first to receive the update. According to the manufacturer, other devices will receive the update soon; in addition to models from the Xiaomi 15 series, smartphones, and tablets from the Redmi family are also included.

According to the manufacturer According to the manufacturer, HyperOS 3 is said to accelerate app startup, reduce average graphics unit utilization, and increase gaming performance. Furthermore, Xiaomi speaks of lower power consumption when playing videos and smoother operation, accompanied by longer battery life.

In addition, Xiaomi has revised the user interface, which features new icons and a “HyperIsland” that is strongly reminiscent of Apple's Dynamic Island. The island can display and interact with active calls, music, navigation, timers, appointment reminders, and more. The extensively customizable lock screen also appears somewhat iOS-inspired.

Moreover, HyperOS 3 includes numerous functions, such as Touch-to-Share or app support for iPads, which allow users to communicate better with Apple's ecosystem. In addition, many AI features are included; the manufacturer relies on Google's Gemini as the AI assistant.

HyperOS 3 for many Xiaomi models

Xiaomi plans to provide many more models with HyperOS 3 by March 2026. Between October and November, after the 15T series, the top models of the first half of the year, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, will receive the update; the foldable Mix Flip and tablets like the Pad Mini and the Pad 7 models are also among the first, according to the manufacturer.

In the second release wave between November and December, Xiaomi wants to bring its 14 series up to date, as well as some Redmi models and other tablets. Finally, the Xiaomi 13 and 12 series will receive HyperOS 3. Further Redmi devices, such as the Note 14 5G, 15 5G, as well as Poco smartphones and various tablets from the Redmi family, are also to be supplied with the update by the end of March 2026.

Xiaomi has not responded to an inquiry about whether HyperOS 3 will be based on Google Android 16 for all models by the time this article is published. In its announcement of HyperOS 3, the manufacturer did not mention which Android version is being used. It has been evident for months that Xiaomi will use Android 16 on some devices, as Google announced back in May that the manufacturer will integrate the live update function announced with the update.

(afl)