The arrival of HyperOS 3 This marks a new step in the evolution of Xiaomi's software, with an update that will roll out to dozens of phones and tablets in the coming months. The company has already fine-tuned the calendar for Europe and other marketsThis allows us to know with considerable accuracy which users will be able to make the switch and who will have to continue with the previous version of the system.
The move is significant: while part of the catalog of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO adopt HyperOS 3 on top of Android 16A significant number of phones and tablets will remain permanently on HyperOS 2, despite continuing to receive security patches. For those with a mid-range or high-end device from a few years ago, this change marks the end of the cycle of major updates.
What HyperOS 3 brings to the table and why it won't be available on all devices
HyperOS 3 is much more than just a facelift for Xiaomi's interface. The company has focused this version on improve multitasking, device integration, and securityIn addition to introducing visual changes that completely modernize the interface, this update makes it especially appealing to those who use their mobile phone as their primary tool for work or multimedia consumption.
The star novelty is Hyper Island (also called Super Island)A reinterpretation of notifications and background activities in the style of Apple's Dynamic Island, but taken several steps further. Each "island" represents an active application or process that can be opened in floating windows with a quick gestureThis allows you to have several tasks running in view without blocking the main screen.
Along with this change in the concept of multitasking, the system incorporates New icons, a cleaner status bar, and a cleaner control centerDynamic wallpapers generated by artificial intelligence and a revamped lock screen with a centered clock and more customization options. The idea is to make the interface more organized, readable, and consistent across the entire ecosystem.
There are also improvements in the multimedia section: the gallery integrates more advanced image recognition and new classification toolsmaking it easier to organize photos and videos. In addition, it offers improved compatibility with Apple devices, as it's now possible to copy and paste content between an iPhone and a Xiaomi device, something that previously required third-party solutions.
In terms of security, HyperOS 3 reinforces The encryption introduces post-quantum algorithms and improves search functionseven in scenarios where the device is turned off or offline. These are less noticeable changes, but relevant in a context where mobile phones are storing increasingly sensitive information.
Despite all of the above, not all devices will receive this version. The main reason is the Limited hardware in some older modelsThis makes it difficult to guarantee smooth performance with the new features. Xiaomi prioritizes maintaining a stable experience over forcing an update that could result in lag, excessive battery drain, or compatibility issues.
Official HyperOS 3 update schedule for POCO phones and tablets
In the case of POCO, one of Xiaomi's most popular sub-brands in Spain and the rest of Europe, the company has made public A detailed calendar with 23 mobile phones and tablets that will make the jump to HyperOS 3The rollout is structured in three major phases, from October 2025 to March 2026, and is planned as a global and progressive upgrade, so the dates may vary slightly depending on the region.
Xiaomi had already announced that the first to officially launch HyperOS 3 would be the POCO F8 Ultra and POCO F8 ProThese updates are associated with the launch of their new high-end devices. In fact, these models can receive the new firmware via a day-one patch, allowing the brand to maintain the "launch" narrative even though other devices like the POCO F7 have already begun receiving updates.
The internal roadmap presented during the POCO F8 launch also confirms that the rest of the deadlines remain as planned: No models have been removed from the initial lists., and the devices already announced remain within their respective update windows.
Phase 1: Update between October and November 2025
The first batch focuses on the newer and more powerful models, especially the F and X ranges, which are the ones that concentrate a large part of the brand's advanced users:
- POCO F8 Ultra
- LITTLE F8 Pro
- POCO F7 Ultra
- LITTLE F7 Pro
- POCO F7
- POCO X7 Pro Iron Man Edition
- LITTLE X7 Pro
- LITTLE X7
In addition to these models, other official lists and previous communications mention that The POCO F7 Ultra, F7 Pro, and F7 are already part of this initial wave.Along with the POCO X7 Pro and X7, they will all receive HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, with full access to features such as Hyper Island, new visual elements, and security improvements.
Phase 2: between November and December 2025
The second phase extends the upgrade to the high-end of the previous generation and introduces several mid-range models that are very popular in Europe. This is where the POCO F6 and X6 Pro family come into play, along with some more affordable devices:
- LITTLE F6 Pro
- POCO F6
- LITTLE X6 Pro
- LITTLE M7
- POCO M7 Pro (in some communications it appears broken down as M7 Pro 5G in the next phase)
- LITTLE M6 Pro
- LITTLE M6
- LITTLE C75
The display in this window may overlap slightly between regions, so that In some European countries, the update will arrive at the end of November. While in other cases it shifts towards December. In any case, Xiaomi maintains its priority on the latest devices within each range.
Phase 3: from December 2025 to March 2026
The third stage of the calendar focuses on slightly older models and, above all, the brand's tablets. This includes the popular POCO F5 and F5 Pro, as well as the new Pad M1 and Pad X1, which will retain HyperOS 2 until at least early 2026 before taking the leap:
- LITTLE F5 Pro
- POCO F5
- LITTLE X6
- LITTLE M7 Pro 5G
- LITTLE C85
- POCO Pad
- POCO X1
- POCO Pad M1
In practice, this means that F-series users will have priority over those who have opted for tablets or entry-level modelsHowever, Xiaomi insists that no confirmed model will be left out of the rollout, although some updates may take longer to arrive depending on the market or carrier.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones and tablets that will not receive HyperOS 3
The other side of the coin is the devices that will no longer receive this major update. According to various official listings and verified leaks, Nearly 60 models from Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO have reached the end of their major update cycle. and they will remain anchored in HyperOS 2.
This does not mean that everyone will stop receiving patches at the same time: many of them will continue to receive them. security updates for a whileBut there are no new versions of the interface or significant changes to features or design. The reason is the same in all cases: the hardware is a few years old, and performance limitations make it difficult to guarantee an experience that lives up to the demands of HyperOS 3.
Xiaomi models that will not be making the jump to HyperOS 3
In the main brand category, the list includes both very popular mobile phones and tablets that were well-received in Spain and other European countries. These include: several families from series 11 and some transitional models towards the 12 range:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 (full series)
- Xiaomi 11T (full series)
- Xiaomi 11i (full series)
- Xiaomi Mi 11X (full series)
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite / Mi 11 Lite NE
- Xiaomi 12X
- Xiaomi 12Lite
- Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold
- Xiaomi Mix 4
- Xiaomi civi
- Xiaomi Pad 5 (full series)
All of these devices, many of which were launched between 2021 and 2022, They will remain permanently on HyperOS 2In the case of the Xiaomi Pad 5, for example, this marks the end of the cycle of major updates for one of the most highly recommended Android tablets of its time.
Redmi devices that will not be updated to HyperOS 3
The Redmi range is not exempt either. Although Xiaomi continues to invest heavily in the Note series in Europe, Several recent generations are not included in HyperOS 3's plansespecially in the more economical tiers of the catalog:
- Redmi Note 13 (4G versions and part of the series)
- Redmi Note 12 (full series)
- Redmi Note 12R (full series)
- Redmi Note 12R Pro
- Redmi Note 12S
- Redmi 12 (full series)
- Redmi 12C
- Redmi A2 (full series)
In these models, the company has chosen to maintain the previous version of HyperOS with security patchesBut without making the jump to the new generation. For most of the general public, it will still be a valid experience, although those looking for the latest Android 16 features will have to consider upgrading.
A FEW that remain on HyperOS 2
POCO is perhaps the sub-brand where the generational divide is most noticeable, because A large group of models that do update coexists with another group that is left out.Among the devices that will not receive HyperOS 3 are both entry-level models and more enthusiast-oriented devices:
- LITTLE C51
- LITTLE C55
- LITTLE C65
- LITTLE C71
- POCO C75 (in some listings it appears as C7, but it is the same basic family)
- LITTLE M4
- POCO M5 (complete series)
- POCO M6 (complete series)
- POCO X4 GT (complete series)
- POCO X5 (complete series)
- POCO F4 (complete series)
- LITTLE F4 GT
Such well-known models as POCO M4, M5 or F4 That they are left out may be surprising, but they all share the same pattern: They have already completed their main support cycleThey will continue to receive security patches for a while, but HyperOS 3 will not be officially released.
What options do users who are left without HyperOS 3 have?
For those who own one of the excluded devices, the situation is mixed. On the one hand, They will continue to enjoy a stable system with security patches for the duration of support. Furthermore, they will not have access to the new features of HyperOS 3, the visual improvements, or the advancements in artificial intelligence and multitasking.
The most direct option for those who want these new features is to upgrade your mobile phone or tablet to a newer model Within the Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO catalogs, and especially in the F and X series, the company is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a longer update cycle, which may be attractive to those looking to keep their device for several years.
Another alternative is to use Custom ROMs developed by the communityThis is relatively common in popular Xiaomi and POCO models. However, it's an unofficial solution that requires some technical knowledge, may void the warranty, and doesn't always guarantee the same level of stability and security as the original firmware.
Those who prefer not to complicate things will still have a functional device, but they will have to accept that Your experience will remain in HyperOS 2 and in the capabilities of the Android version they already have installed.
With this new scenario, the Xiaomi ecosystem enters a phase in which HyperOS 3 becomes the standard for recent devicesWhile many 2021 and 2022 models are starting to fall behind in terms of major new features, for users in Spain and Europe, the key now is to check if their POCO, Redmi, or Xiaomi phone appears on the update lists or in the group that has already reached the end of its life cycle, and then decide whether it's worth sticking with the current device or upgrading to a new one.
