Xiaomi president Lu Weibing confirms the Xiaomi 17 lineup with Ultra and Pro Max, skipping 16. Expect new photo and video tech, top-tier cameras. Big upgrades.
© A. Krivonosov
On the evening of September 19, Xiaomi president Lu Weibing hosted a livestream, fielding the most pressing questions about the Xiaomi 17 lineup. The session came across as a clear attempt to set expectations and calm speculation around the next flagship wave.
The key takeaway was his confirmation that the series will include not only a Pro Max model but also the long-awaited Ultra. Weibing said the Ultra would stay in the lineup for the new generation and would be equipped with fresh technologies, noting that Ultra and Pro Max are distinct propositions. He added that the Ultra is set to bring advanced capabilities, including new solutions for photo and video.
Another noteworthy shift is in the naming. Rather than following the expected “16” designation, Xiaomi is jumping straight to Xiaomi 17 and introducing a Pro Max variant. The Ultra, meanwhile, is expected to retain its top-tier status with the best cameras and other standout features—an unmistakable signal that the brand intends to keep its most ambitious device in a class of its own.