Xiaomi 17 Fold: A Foldable Phone Returns with Magnetic Lenses

The Xiaomi 17 Fold is expected to bring a camera with magnetically attachable lenses, marking the brand’s return to book-style foldable phones after a year-long break. The new model is expected to be announced in summer 2026.

A return to book-style foldables

The 17 Fold is expected to mark Xiaomi’s return to book-style foldable phones. The year-long break applies to that category, not to all of the brand’s foldable devices: Xiaomi also introduced the MIX Flip 2 during that time.

Alongside a new design, a modular camera is one of the features mentioned in connection with the 17 Fold. An expected announcement in summer 2026, however, does not establish when or in which markets the phone might go on sale.

How the magnetic lenses could work

Xiaomi has previously demonstrated the concept of magnetically attachable lenses. For the 17 Fold, the lenses are expected to attach to the back of the phone, allowing users to adapt the camera to their photographic needs.

The practical benefit would be the ability to change lenses depending on what the owner wants to photograph, rather than relying solely on the built-in camera setup. The interchangeable lenses would be accessories, though, so users would need to carry them if they wanted to use them away from home.

What the MIX Flip 2 example suggests

According to the original information, the Xiaomi MIX Flip 2 did not reach the global market. This is a reminder that announcing a foldable phone does not necessarily mean it will be sold in every region. Availability of the 17 Fold will therefore depend on Xiaomi’s plans for individual markets.