Xiaomi announced the end of support for dozens of smartphone models from the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO lines from 2026, a measure that will begin to impact devices as early as 2025. The hardest hit devices are those launched between 2022 and 2023, which will become more vulnerable to cyber risks without continued support from the manufacturer.
Lack of updates not only exposes users to security holes, but can also compromise compatibility with new applications and the overall stability of the operating system. Popular Dispositivos, such as the Xiaomi 12 and Redmi Note 12, are among those that will have their software lifespan shortened, raising questions and concerns about long-term performance and security.
Xiaomi devices at end of support cycle
Several prominent products from the discontinuation for these high-performance devices.
Other models from the Xiaomi 12 series were also included in the production closure list. Support for the Xiaomi 12X and the Xiaomi 12 Lite is scheduled to end in March 2026. Android 15.
Updates for line Redmi Note 12
The Redmi Note 12 series has achieved great success in the entry-level and mid-range smartphone market, standing out for its balance between price and performance. Contudo, these models are also subject to the end of support schedule, with specific dates that vary according to each device in the line.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro and Pro+ 5G models will continue receiving updates until October 2026, with the possibility of being included with HyperOS 2 or Android 15.
The situation with POCO smartphones
POCO, a sub-brand of Xiaomi known for offering high performance at competitive prices, is also facing the end of support for some of its models. The POCO F5 5G, launched in 2023 with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor, will have guaranteed support until May 2026.
Other important models in the POCO series also had their official end of support dates established. Estes include devices that appeal to consumers focused on powerful hardware for games and other demanding applications.
Review of Xiaomi longevity policy
Since 2023, Xiaomi has been reevaluating its support policy for new devices. Para the latest premium lines, such as the Xiaomi 15 series, the company has committed to offering up to six years of security patches. However, this extension does not apply to older models that are already in the phase of production discontinuation.
Before this guideline change, released smartphones generally received three Android system updates and four years of security patches. The review of this policy seeks a balance between technological innovation and the long-term sustainability of devices, positioning Xiaomi on a more competitive level compared to large market players such as Google and Apple, which already offer extended support cycles.
Cyber risks on outdated devices
Smartphones can continue to work even after official support ends, but this practice poses a considerable risk. The absence of security updates leaves devices exposed to vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber criminals, resulting in data theft, malware infection and compromised user privacy. Threats constantly evolve, and without the latest patches, devices become easy targets for sophisticated attacks.
Basic functionalities such as calls and internet access may operate, but data integrity and user privacy are compromised. The lack of official security updates results in bug fixes that are not applied, making the device susceptible to viruses and other forms of attack. Além Additionally, compatibility with important applications, such as banking and financial services, may be affected, decreasing the smartphone’s overall functionality over time.
Recommendations for affected consumers
For owners of models that will end support, there are some important actions to consider. Although it is possible to continue using the operating system with community updates, these options often carry significant security and instability risks.
The main recommendation is to migrate to a newer model that is still under the manufacturer’s official support. By investing in new releases, such as the Xiaomi 15 or Redmi Note 14 series, users guarantee years of updates and support, ensuring compatibility with the latest operating systems and features.
Mobile device market overview
The Android market has demonstrated a tendency to extend support cycles for its devices. Grandes manufacturers like Google and Apple already offer up to seven years of the latest updates. Xiaomi, by taking a similar approach to its flagship products, signals a commitment to allowing consumers to use their devices for a longer period of time.