Xiaomi, one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers, announced a measure that will directly impact millions of users of its devices. The company defined that a considerable list of devices from its popular sub-brands, Redmi and POCO, will no longer receive operating system and security updates. The decision is part of the planned life cycle for the Chinese technology giant’s products.
The interruption of support means that cell phones included in the list will not receive new versions of the HyperOS interface, the successor to MIUI, nor patch packages for vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the future. Embora devices remain operational for basic functions, the absence of security updates increases the risks associated with daily use, leaving them more exposed to digital threats.
This support termination policy, known in the market as EOS (End of Support), is a common practice among manufacturers. Ela allows companies to focus their software development and engineering resources on the latest models in their portfolio, ensuring that releases receive the necessary attention to optimize and implement new technologies.
Models affected by the new policy
The list released by the manufacturer includes several devices that registered a significant volume of sales in global markets, including the Brasil. In the brand’s main line, the Xiaomi 12 series, which includes versions such as the 12 Pro, 12X and 12 Lite, is among the names confirmed for the end of support. Lançados as edge devices in their period, they will end their cycle of scheduled updates.
The Redmi line, famous for offering strong value for money, will be one of the most impacted in terms of number of users. The popular series Redmi Note 12 is the main highlight, with several of its members on the discontinuation list. Modelos like the Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12 Pro and the Redmi Note 12
POCO, a sub-brand focused on performance and the gamer audience, will also have important models with finished support. Aparelhos like the POCO F5 5G and the entire POCO X5 series, both launched in 2023, are among those affected. The inclusion of relatively recent devices demonstrates the acceleration of the innovation cycle and the company’s need to prioritize its new launches.
Xiaomi’s support policy generally establishes a schedule of two to three major operating system updates, followed by an additional period of security updates. The models now listed for closure in 2026 fit into this planning, having received the expected updates since they arrived on the market. The measure aims to optimize development resources for a constantly expanding product line.
The practical implications of ending support
Ending software support has direct and significant consequences for the long-term security and functionality of a smartphone. Sem periodic security patches, which are designed to fix newly discovered flaws and loopholes, devices become easy targets for new forms of digital threats. Isso includes malware capable of stealing banking data, viruses that compromise device performance and phishing attacks that exploit operating system vulnerabilities. Embora the cell phone continues to make calls, send messages and run applications that are already installed, the risk of having personal and financial information compromised increases exponentially over time. Além of the critical security issue, the absence of new versions of the operating system, such as future HyperOS updates, prevents users from accessing innovative features, performance improvements, battery consumption optimizations and bug fixes that the manufacturer may implement. Over time, this lag also affects application compatibility, as many developers stop supporting older versions of Android, severely limiting the device’s usability and experience.
Xiaomi’s update strategy
Xiaomi’s approach to software updates, like that of other major manufacturers in the Android ecosystem, is segmented according to each product category. High-end devices, such as the flagship Xiaomi series, generally have more extended support, receiving a greater number of operating system updates and a longer period of security patches. Essa is a way of valuing the greater investment made by consumers in these models.
On the other hand, intermediate and input devices, like many of the Redmi and POCO lines, have a shorter software life cycle. Essa is a consolidated industrial practice, which allows companies to maintain a balance in operating costs and, at the same time, encourage periodic renewal of devices by consumers. HyperOS, the brand’s new system, was developed to create a unified experience between all products in the Xiaomi ecosystem, but discontinued models will be left out of this evolution, stagnant in the last version they received.
Alternatives for device owners
For users who have one of the affected models and wish to continue using their devices with a higher level of security, there are some alternatives. The most technical of these is the installation of custom ROMs, which are versions of Android modified and maintained by the developer community.
Projects like LineageOS, for example, are known for offering newer versions of the operating system for devices that have already lost official support from the manufacturer. However, this procedure requires advanced technical knowledge, voids the product warranty and may present risks of instability if not performed correctly.
A safer and more affordable option for most consumers is to consider exchange programs, known as “trade-in.” Xiaomi itself and several retail chains offer the possibility of handing over the old smartphone as part of the payment for a new model, guaranteeing a discount that facilitates the migration to a device with updated software and guaranteed support for longer.
How to check the End of Support (EOS) list
To confirm whether a specific smartphone is on the list of devices that will have support terminated, the main recommendation is to consult the official Xiaomi channels. The company maintains a dedicated “End of Support” (EOS) status page on its global security website, where models are added as their scheduled life cycles approach their end.
The competition scenario in the market
Xiaomi’s decision is part of a competitive context where the update policy has become an important differentiator. Enquanto the two to four year support cycle is common for mid-range devices, giants like Samsung and Google have raised the bar in the premium segment.
Both competitors now promise up to seven years of system and security updates for their latest high-end models. Essa change sets a new benchmark for the industry, putting pressure on other brands to reevaluate their strategies to value consumer investment in the long term.
Sustainability and the life cycle of electronics
The practice of ending software support raises a broader discussion about the sustainability and longevity of electronic products. With the advancement of hardware, many smartphones remain perfectly functional for several years, but planned obsolescence via software becomes the main factor limiting their useful life.
Consumer demand for longer-lasting and safer devices is growing, and a brand’s update policy is becoming a purchasing criterion as relevant as camera or processor specifications. The guarantee of prolonged support adds value to the product and strengthens the customer’s trust in the manufacturer.