HyperOS 3: Here's an overview of the biggest new features

Yesterday, alongside the 15T and 15T Pro phones, Xiaomi also introduced the global version of its HyperOS 3 system. A month after its Chinese premiere, we finally learn which of the new features will arrive here.

The new version of the system brings a redesigned interface, more prominent animations, and most importantly, promises 30% better performance. This sounds great on paper, but in practice, it will be more about optimizing memory management and faster application launches than a real hardware speed-up.

HyperIsland: Finally something useful in the status bar

The main new feature is HyperIsland – an interactive element in the status bar that displays ongoing activities. It resembles Apple’s Dynamic Island, but Xiaomi has taken it further. You can see navigation, a timer, a music player, or charging status here, all without needing to open applications.

The feature also supports floating windows, which you open by dragging down from the island. This is actually practical – you can reply to a message without leaving the current application. Dual-island mode then allows you to have two islands simultaneously, such as navigation and music.

On tablets, HyperIsland makes even more sense. Xiaomi has added support for vertical screen splitting in a 1:9 ratio, which is ideal for reading and simultaneously taking notes.

AI features: A mix of Google and in-house development

Xiaomi has opted for a combination of its own AI features and Google Gemini 2.0 integration.

AI Writing can generate texts, summarize documents, and correct grammar. An interesting feature is DeepThink, which shows how AI thinks before spitting out a result. This can help understand why AI answered the way it did.

AI Search searches not only the phone but also the web with the help of Gemini. It summarizes the results directly, so you don’t have to click through dozens of links. AI Translate handles simultaneous translation of calls and video conferences. It is not yet clear which of these features will support Czech, but the Chinese giant relatively pampers the domestic market, and last year it already showed us many gadgets that eventually learned Czech.

Visually attractive is AI Dynamic Wallpapers – it creates an animated wallpaper with a cinematic effect from a regular photo.

HyperConnect: When Android befriends iPhone

Xiaomi does not close its ecosystem but opens it to Apple devices as well. The Touch to Share feature works similarly to AirDrop – you bring phones together and share photos, videos, or Wi-Fi passwords. And it works with iPhones and MacBooks too.

On an iPad, you can even launch applications from a Xiaomi phone via Home Screen+. Plus, you can unlock Xiaomi devices using Touch ID or Face ID from Apple products.

For users with multiple Xiaomi devices, there’s call and SMS forwarding between phones. Left your main phone at home? No problem, the other party can reach you on your tablet or another phone.

Security: Post-quantum encryption and proprietary TEE

Xiaomi boasted about post-quantum encryption for communication. This sounds futuristic, but in practice, it’s preparation for a time when quantum computers will break current ciphers. It’s good that they are thinking about it now, even if real-world use will come years later.

MiTEE (Xiaomi Trusted Execution Environment) protects sensitive data in an isolated environment. Biometric data, passwords, and payment information are separated from the rest of the system.

When will you get it? Spoiler: maybe in half a year

The first wave of updates starts in October and November 2025. It will mainly go to new devices – Xiaomi 15T/Pro, Pad Mini, and Watch S4. This makes sense, new products need a new system as a selling point.

The second wave will arrive in November and December for flagship models – Xiaomi 15 Ultra, POCO F6 Pro, and selected Redmi models. Surprisingly, some mid-range devices like Redmi Note 14 Pro will also receive the new system quickly.

The third wave, from December 2025 to March 2026, will cover older models including Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 12 Pro.

What’s missing compared to the Chinese version?

The global version lost some features. It lacks advanced AI assistants for document work, which compete with ChatGPT in China. Logically, there’s also no integration with local services like Alipay or WeChat.

The most painful absence is AI photo enhancements, which in China can magically improve blurry photos or add details to old images. This likely remained due to licensing restrictions or GDPR regulations.

HyperOS 3 is a solid upgrade, but no revolution. HyperIsland is a practical feature, AI enhancements are useful, and connectivity with Apple devices is a unique matter in the Android world.

Which new feature do you like the most?

Source: Xiaomi conference, XiaomiTime