Xiaomi has announced the discontinuation of official support for numerous models from its Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphone lines. This change, starting in 2025 and finalizing in 2026, will impact millions of users who will no longer receive new operating system updates or critical security patches. Models primarily launched between 2022 and 2023 are affected, sparking discussions about device longevity and digital security.
Without updates, these devices will remain operational for basic functions but will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Unaddressed security flaws could expose users to malware and attacks, risking personal and financial data. Over time, compatibility with new apps may also decline.
Key models like the Xiaomi 12 and Redmi Note 12 series are included in the list of affected devices. Owners must consider the risks and plan accordingly to protect their digital information.
The Xiaomi main line will see several models, including the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro, lose support. The Xiaomi 12X and 12 Lite will receive updates until March 2026, with potential for a final HyperOS 3 update based on Android 15.
For the popular Redmi Note series, models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G will receive updates until October 2026, while entry-level versions like the Redmi Note 12 5G will end support in early 2025.
POCO devices, known for performance at competitive prices, will also be affected. The POCO F5 5G will receive updates until May 2026, but the lack of future security patches raises concerns about data security and device value.
The absence of security updates poses a significant risk, making devices more susceptible to cyber attacks. Financial apps might stop functioning or raise alerts on outdated systems, limiting device usability.
In response to market demands, Xiaomi plans to extend support for future models, offering up to six years of security updates for premium devices, aligning with industry standards from companies like Google and Samsung. However, this new policy does not apply retroactively to models already scheduled for discontinuation.
Security experts advise users of affected models to consider upgrading to newer devices with ongoing support. While alternatives like custom ROMs exist, they are not recommended for average users due to potential instability and lack of official security guarantees.
