HyperOS 4 leaks in first real photo. Xiaomi was clearly inspired by Apple

Leaks surrounding Xiaomi’s new overlay have been increasing in recent weeks, but this one is the first of its kind. Instead of mere speculation about upcoming features, a real photo of a phone actually running HyperOS 4 has appeared online. While it reveals little, it is the very first look at the next important version of the system.

What did the real photo of HyperOS 4 show?

The photo captures an unfolded test unit, which, according to the codename “lhasa,” corresponds to the upcoming Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 foldable. On the software information page, a version starting with four, based on Android 17, is visible – exactly how Xiaomi traditionally pairs major leaps in its overlay with a new generation of the operating system.

The Mix Fold 5 itself serves more as a carrier. We wrote about its features earlier – leaked specifications mention a custom Xring chip, a 200Mpx camera, and a battery around 6,000 mAh. However, foldable Mix Folds traditionally do not make it to the Czech Republic, so for local readers, the main star of the photo is rather the software.

The lock screen itself looks familiar. The layout of the clock and icons remains close to today’s HyperOS, but the main novelty is the touch: notifications have received a glassy, slightly blurred look, which points towards the design language recently adopted by Apple under the name Liquid Glass.

What is HyperOS 4 expected to bring?

What Xiaomi is preparing for the fourth generation has been discussed for a long time – and many things sound ambitious. According to leaks, the system is undergoing a core rewrite into Rust and Flutter languages, and the manufacturer promises up to 40% higher fluidity and one-third better memory management. The company also wants to rid the overlay of old bloatware that dates back to the MIUI era.

HyperOS 4 leaks in first real photo. Xiaomi was clearly inspired by Apple Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The second major change is expected to be the appearance. The redesign, which we wrote about earlier, is in the spirit of glassy and transparent surfaces – exactly what is now visible in the photo. Critics accuse Xiaomi of merely following the competition rather than developing its own signature style. However, the first real shot suggests that the manufacturer will indeed go in this direction.

When will HyperOS 4 arrive?

No one has confirmed the exact date yet. According to speculation, the public beta could appear in August 2026, with the stable version likely arriving alongside the Xiaomi 18 series. The Xiaomi 17 and Redmi K90 models should receive the update first, and as usual, initially in China.

Europe will have to wait. Xiaomi only recently started rolling out Android 17 as part of HyperOS 3.3 here, so local owners will likely have to wait a while longer for a jump of an entire generation.

Are you tempted by the glassy HyperOS 4, or do you not really care about the system’s appearance?

Sources: XimiTime, GSMArena, Gizchina