End of support for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models is announced and will leave millions without security updates

Xiaomi has officially confirmed that it will end software support for an extensive list of popular smartphones from its brands Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. The decision, which takes effect progressively until 2026, will affect millions of users globally, who will no longer receive crucial security updates and new versions of the HyperOS operating system. Essa measure is part of the company’s product lifecycle policy, which aims to focus resources on developing and maintaining newer devices.

The absence of security updates exposes devices to vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malware and other digital threats, compromising users’ personal and financial data. Além Furthermore, the lack of new versions of the operating system means that owners of these models will not have access to new features, performance improvements and battery optimizations that are continually released by the manufacturer. The news raises an important warning about planned obsolescence in the technology market and the need for consumers to be aware of the support period offered when purchasing a new device.

The timeline for the end of support varies depending on the model and release date, but the list includes devices launched mainly between 2022 and 2023. The company follows a market trend, where manufacturers establish a limited period of updates to ensure the viability of their software ecosystems and encourage users to migrate to more modern hardware capable of running the latest versions of operating systems efficiently.

Specific models losing official support

The list of devices that will end support is comprehensive and includes some of the best-selling models of recent years. In the brand’s main line, the entire Xiaomi 12 family is confirmed for discontinuation of updates. Isso includes the Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12X and the most affordable version, the Xiaomi 12 Lançados with great expectations, these devices will no longer receive security packages after the stipulated deadline.

The Redmi sub-brand, known for its strong value for money appeal, will have one of its biggest sales successes affected. The popular Redmi Note 12 series, in its various variants such as the Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12 Pro and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, is also on the list. The sales volume of this line makes the decision particularly impactful for a large base of consumers who trusted in the longevity of the brand’s devices.

POCO, another sub-brand focused on performance with competitive prices, was not left out. Modelos launched in 2023, such as the POCO F5 5G and the POCO X5 series, are among those that will no longer be updated. The inclusion of relatively recent devices in the list demonstrates the rapid evolution of the company’s portfolio and the acceleration of the product life cycle in the mobile technology sector.

Xiaomi policy generally provides for a two to three year life cycle for system updates and a slightly longer period for security packages, depending on the device segment. The listed models, which were launched between 2022 and 2023, are approaching the end of this scheduled cycle, which justifies the company’s decision to focus its development efforts on the most recent and future launches.

The risks of using a cell phone without updates

The most serious consequence of ending software support is exposure to security risks. The monthly or quarterly updates that manufacturers release contain fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities in the Android operating system and the brand’s own interface, such as HyperOS. Sem these patches, smartphones become easy targets for cyber attacks, which can range from installing malicious applications without the user’s consent to stealing sensitive information, such as bank passwords, credit card data and personal information. The lack of continuous protection turns the device into a gateway for fraud, putting not only the data stored on the device at risk, but also the owner’s digital identity. Além security, the user experience is also progressively degraded, as many popular applications are no longer compatible with older versions of the operating system, preventing access to new features or, in extreme cases, the full functioning of the app.

The manufacturer’s update strategy

Xiaomi’s decision is in line with a common practice in the technology industry, where the life cycle of a product is predefined. Fabricantes like Samsung and Google have more extensive update policies for their high-end models, offering up to seven years of support, but most devices, especially mid-range ones, operate on a shorter timeline. Xiaomi seeks to balance the cost of software maintenance for dozens of old models with the need to innovate and optimize the system for new releases.

This strategy allows the company to direct its engineering team towards HyperOS development on newer hardware, ensuring a fluid and optimized user experience. Manter An updated legacy portfolio requires significant investment in testing and adaptation, which can slow the implementation of new technologies and features. Para the consumer, this reinforces the importance of checking a brand’s update policy before purchasing, treating software support as a factor as relevant as hardware specifications.

The popular case of series Redmi Note 12

The Redmi Note 12 series deserves to be highlighted for its enormous commercial success. Milhões units were sold globally, consolidating Redmi’s position in the mid-range segment. The end of support for this line is, therefore, a significant event for a wide range of users. The devices were praised for their combination of affordable price, quality screen and competent performance for the category.

It is important to note that the update schedule may vary slightly between models in the series. The 5G version of Redmi Note 12, for example, was scheduled to receive HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 as its last major update. In contrast, the 4G variant would end its support cycle with a previous version of the system, which illustrates the differences in longevity even within the same product family.

For owners of these devices, the news means that, from 2026, they will need to be more cautious when surfing the internet and downloading apps. The general recommendation is to start planning a future replacement of the device to ensure continued protection against digital threats and access to innovations in the Android ecosystem.

What to do if your device is on the list

For users whose devices are on the end of support list, the first step is to confirm the exact model and check the specific update schedule. Enquanto support is active, it is essential to install all security packages and system updates made available by Xiaomi. Isso ensures that the device remains as protected as possible until the cycle is definitively completed.

After support ends, the main recommendation is to take extra care with digital security. Evitar downloading applications from unofficial sources, being cautious with links and attachments received via email or messages and using security solutions, such as antivirus, can mitigate some of the risks. Contudo, the safest long-term solution is to plan to purchase a new smartphone that offers an active software support cycle.

The situation of POCO brand devices

POCO, which has established itself with a strong identity aimed at gamers and technology enthusiasts, also follows the Xiaomi life cycle policy. Modelos like the POCO F5 5G and the X5 line, which offer robust performance at a competitive price, will enter the same phase of support discontinuation. Para the brand’s fan base, which values ​​performance and longevity, the news requires a reevaluation of the ideal time for an upgrade, ensuring that the user experience is not compromised by a lack of optimizations and security.