Rumors point to Apple marking 2027 with an iPhone 20, and Xiaomi likely to skip 19 for a Xiaomi 20. We analyze the branding strategy and premium rivalry.
© RusPhotoBank
In 2027, Apple will mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, and rumors suggest the company could skip the iPhone 19 and launch a commemorative iPhone 20 instead. As that chatter builds, there’s word that Xiaomi may consider a similar move, setting up a direct face-off in a year loaded with symbolism for the industry.
Xiaomi has already shown it isn’t shy about unconventional flagship names. After the Xiaomi 15, the company bypassed the Xiaomi 16 and jumped straight to Xiaomi 17. The move, as president Lu Weibing has said publicly, was intended to align with the iPhone 17 and underscore a leap in premium positioning. It also signaled that model numbers can be a branding lever, not just a running tally.
A new report from XiaomiTime claims Xiaomi could reprise that strategy and skip the Xiaomi 19. There’s no direct confirmation yet, but the scenario seems plausible from a competitive standpoint. If Apple does unveil the iPhone 20 in 2027, Xiaomi could roll out the Xiaomi 20 in the same window, creating symmetry and strengthening the perception of its devices as direct alternatives to a jubilee iPhone.
Unlike Apple, Xiaomi won’t be marking a major anniversary in 2027, yet past decisions suggest the company is comfortable using numbering for marketing and positioning. Skipping a generation in name alone could again be a calculated play—not only to draw attention, but to reinforce Xiaomi’s status as one of Apple’s key challengers in the premium tier.