The Chinese giant Xiaomi announced the end of official support for dozens of smartphone models from its Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO lines, with effect from 2026. The measure, although expected within the life cycle of electronic products, raises discussions about the importance of update policies and the long-term sustainability of devices for users.
Owners of these devices will no longer receive operating system updates or important security packages. The absence of these updates is crucial for the proper functioning and protection of devices against vulnerabilities. The company emphasizes the need for users to be aware of the implications of this change on their smartphones.
Xiaomi models that will lose support
Support for the main products of the Xiaomi brand will be discontinued at different periods, starting in 2026. discontinuation for these high-performance smartphones.
Other models in the Xiaomi 12 series are also on the support end list. The Xiaomi 12X and the Xiaomi 12 Lite, for example, will have their support ended in March 2026. Android 15.
The update schedule for the Redmi Note 12 series
The Redmi Note 12 series represents a high-volume sales segment known for balancing cost and performance. The Pro and Pro+ 5G models in this line will continue to receive updates until October 2026, with the expectation that they will receive HyperOS 2 or Android 15.
However, support for the most basic variants, such as the Redmi Note 12 5G and the Redmi Note 12 4G, will be stopped early. Updates for the 5G model are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, while support for the 4G version is expected to end in April 2025.
This series has had impressive sales around the world and continues to be a popular choice among consumers. Sem the latest security fixes and system updates, these devices, although functional, will be more exposed to security risks and may experience gradual performance degradation over time.
POCO devices affected by end of support
POCO, a sub-brand of Xiaomi recognized for offering high performance at competitive prices, will also have some of its models impacted by the end of support. The POCO F5 5G, launched in 2023 with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor, has guaranteed updates until May 2026.
Other important models in the POCO range include:
Consumers who value hardware power for demanding games and applications, combined with an affordable cost, tend to prefer these models. However, with the scheduled end of the support cycle, planned obsolescence becomes a reality, and the resale value of these devices on the used market may drop significantly.
New Xiaomi support policy for 2025
Xiaomi is reviewing its support policy for new devices starting in 2023. Future high-end Modelos, like the expected Xiaomi 15 series, now promise up to six years of security patches. Esta extension, however, does not apply to older models that are on the threshold of the end of their software useful life.
This decision reflects a trend observed in other large manufacturers in the market, which seek a balance between the need for constant innovation and user demand for greater product durability. The updated policy aims to provide users of premium devices with a longer and safer experience.
Security and usability risks
Although smartphones can continue to operate after the end of official support, the lack of updates creates considerable risks. Basic functions such as calls, messages and internet access will remain operational, but the security of the device may be compromised.
Without regular security patches, vulnerabilities tend to accumulate over time. Aplicativos Banking and other critical platforms may eventually restrict access or experience performance failures on outdated devices. Lack of compatibility with new app features can also limit the user experience.
Exposure to cyber threats such as malware and phishing attacks increases significantly for users of unsupported operating systems. Proteger personal data and sensitive information becomes a more complex and risky task.
Recommendations for impacted users
For users of affected models, some alternatives can be considered to mitigate the consequences of the end of support. Buscar system updates through unofficial communities may be an option, but these solutions often involve security risks and do not guarantee system stability.
The main recommendation is to transition to newer models, which still have official support from the manufacturer. Adquirir newer products, such as the upcoming Xiaomi 15 or Redmi Note 14 series, will guarantee users several years of updates and support. Estes new devices offer greater resale value and continued compatibility with the latest operating system and application market features.
Support deadline by product line
Deadlines for end of support for most impacted devices vary depending on launch date.
These dates are taken from Xiaomi’s security and device policies, providing clear guidelines for consumers to plan their next purchases.
Market update scenario
The Android market has shown a trend of extending support cycles, with manufacturers such as Google and Apple offering updates for up to seven years. Xiaomi, by adopting a similar approach to its high-end products, seeks to align with this expectation of longevity.
This strategy reflects the importance of continuous innovations in the usability of devices and the balance between durability and the demand for new technologies. Users of models whose support ends in 2026 are advised to plan their future purchases with new device support policies in mind to ensure continued security and functionality.
