Xiaomi might be shaking things up with its software naming strategy. According to a new report from XiaomiTime, the company is considering rebranding their next version of HyperOS directly to HyperOS 26. This update is expected to be based on Android 16.

If this rumour holds true, Xiaomi will be following in familiar footsteps to that of Apple. The iPhone maker is reportedly planning to jump straight to iOS 26. The same version naming shift is said to apply across Apple’s ecosystem, including macOS and watchOS. Xiaomi appears to be borrowing this idea to align its HyperOS version with the calendar year, aiming for clearer communication around release timelines. So instead of HyperOS 4, we might go straight to HyperOS 26 in 2026.

Why the Change Makes Sense

While Xiaomi hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet, the report suggests that the move is part of a broader strategy to align with top market strategies. This offers a more user-friendly versioning system and makes it easier for users to understand which version is the latest and when it was released.

Moreover, the inspiration is clearly drawn from Apple, but this move might help the brand gain more attention and hype around their devices. As of now, all of this is still just a rumor, so take it with a pinch of salt. For now, HyperOS 3 remains the latest stable build, and there’s no official word on when the next version will arrive. However, if Xiaomi does go ahead with this version jump, expect to hear more around the time Android 16 rolls out later this year.