Xiaomi teases self-developed Xring O1 chip for broader device use

Chinese smartphone and EV maker Xiaomi plans to roll out its self-developed smartphone chip, the Xuanjie O1 (Xring O1), which will be used across its multiple product categories, according to Lu Weibing, president of Xiaomi Group.

If successfully deployed in its flagship smartphones, the Xring O1 would mark Xiaomi's return to in-house smartphone SoC (system on a chip) development – a field it first entered in 2017 with its smartphone chip Surge S1. That move made Xiaomi the fourth global brand after Apple, Samsung and Huawei to develop a self-designed processor.

Speaking during a live-streamed product preview celebrating Xiaomi's 15th anniversary on Saturday, Lu described the chip as a "pivotal milestone" in Xiaomi's decade-long semiconductor journey. He said the chip will be used in "several products beyond smartphones," but did not provide further details on its manufacturing process.

The announcement comes a day after CEO Lei Jun teased the chip on Weibo, saying it would be launched later this month.

Xiaomi began developing smartphone chips in 2014. Its first SoC, the Surge S1, debuted in the Xiaomi 5C in 2017 but failed to gain commercial attraction. The company then shifted focus to specialized chips for imaging, charging, and power management to build expertise before reviving efforts in core smartphone chips with the Xring O1.

During the event, Lu also revealed that Xiaomi will unveil more details about its second electric vehicle model, the YU7, an electric SUV, at a launch event later this month.