Xiaomi is taking the second step in its independent chip development journey. The company’s second-generation processor, the Xring O2, will be released in 2026. This new chip, following the Xring O1, uses Arm’s latest architecture and is manufactured using a 3nm manufacturing process. Expected to be unveiled around September 2026, the Xring O2 demonstrates Xiaomi’s goal of developing its own chips not only for phones but also for a broader ecosystem.

The Xring O2 will be released next year

The new processor increases instructions per cycle (IPC) performance by at least 15%. This increase translates to greater efficiency and speed in everything from everyday use to gaming. The O2 also features some of Arm’s most powerful Cortex-X9 ultra-large cores. These cores are also found in flagship chips like MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500.

Xiaomi’s first chip, the Xring O1, was first used in the Xiaomi 15s Pro. In performance tests, it even surpassed the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. The O1’s strengths include high CPU performance, a smooth gaming experience, and effective thermal management.

However, due to the externally added 5G modem, some battery life issues were encountered. The low-light performance of the image processing unit also needed improvement. The AI-powered NPU, however, failed to reach its full potential due to insufficient software support. O2 is expected to address these issues.

Leaked information suggests that Xiaomi isn’t limiting its chip projects to phones. The Xring O2 is said to be used in tablets, wearables, and even Xiaomi’s electric car projects.

Furthermore, the company is continuing to develop its own 5G modem to provide better battery efficiency and connection quality in future devices. These steps are considered part of Xiaomi’s strategy to establish a more independent position in the technology market.