Highlights
- Xiaomi has reportedly scrapped the Xiaomi 18 Ultra, leaving the lineup with Xiaomi 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max.
- Oppo Find X10 Ultra and Vivo X500 Ultra are tipped to remain China-exclusive when they launch in 2027.
- Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra may be the only global Ultra flagship.
Xiaomi could make a major change to its upcoming flagship lineup by dropping the Xiaomi 18 Ultra, according to a new leak. The company may also not be the only brand making changes to its Ultra phones. If reports are to be believed, Oppo and Vivo are also considering keeping their next-generation Ultra models exclusive to the Chinese market. Here’s everything we know so far.
Xiaomi 18 Ultra Cancelled
Tipster Kartikey Singh @that_kartikey claimed on X that Xiaomi has decided to cancel the Ultra model from its next flagship series. If the information is accurate, the Xiaomi 18 lineup will consist of three models instead of the four-device range seen in previous generations.
At last, Xiaomi scrapped the 18 Ultra, OPPO/Vivo decided not to launch next generation Ultra’s in Global markets. Samsungs Ultra might be the only one available globally. All others will jump to Pro Max.
The shower of Pro Max smartphones is coming soon. However, these Pro Max…
— Kartikey Singh (@That_Kartikey) August 15, 2026
The expected lineup includes the Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max with the Ultra model missing from the series.
However, while responding to a user comment, the tipster has assured that the Ultra series may only be taking a temporary break. Xiaomi is reportedly expected to revive the Ultra branding with the Xiaomi 19 Ultra, which could arrive sometime in late 2027 or early 2028 after component prices are expected to have stabilised.
For now, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is tipped to sit at the top of Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship lineup.
Oppo Find X10 Ultra and Vivo X500 Ultra May Not Launch Globally
Xiaomi may not be the only Chinese brand reworking Ultra models. Oppo and Vivo are also reportedly reconsidering their plans for their next-gen Ultra smartphones because of rising memory costs.
According to the latest claim from Singh, the Oppo Find X10 Ultra and Vivo X500 Ultra will remain exclusive to China when they launch in the first half of 2027. This would mark a significant change from the current generation, which received a wider international release. As of now, both the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra are available in global markets.
It is important to note that neither Oppo nor Vivo has officially confirmed these plans.
Galaxy S27 Ultra Could Become the Only Global Ultra Flagship
The tipster also notes that Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra would most likely become the only major Ultra-branded flagship available outside China.
Other smartphone makers, on the other hand, could focus on Pro Max models instead.
This industry-wide change in plans is said to be linked to the sharp increase in memory component prices. DRAM and NAND costs have risen significantly this year mainly because of growing demand from the AI industry. This has directly impacted brands’ ability to build smartphones with “Ultra” specs because it will push prices beyond what consumers are probably willing to pay.
