History of Xiaomi in Timeline

Xiaomi is a Chinese multinational corporation specializing in consumer electronics, software, and electric vehicles. Headquartered in Beijing, it's the world's third-largest smartphone vendor (as of 2025), behind Apple and Samsung, with most devices running Xiaomi HyperOS. Notably, Xiaomi is ranked 338th on the Fortune Global 500, making it the youngest company on the list. It has also garnered the nickname "Apple of China".

2011: Lei Jun explains the meaning of Xiǎomǐ

In 2011, Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun explained that the name Xiǎomǐ (小米) means "millet" in Chinese, and has deeper meanings, linking the "small" part to Buddhist concepts and mǐ to "Mobile Internet" and "mission impossible".

November 2012: Xiaomi's smart set-top box stops working due to regulatory violations

In November 2012, Xiaomi's smart set-top box ceased functioning one week post-launch because the company had violated regulations set by China's National Radio and Television Administration.

2012: Lei Jun elaborates on the name Xiaomi

In 2012, Lei Jun described the name Xiaomi as being about revolution and innovation. Some sources linked the name to the Chinese Communist Party's "millet and rifle" revolutionary idiom.

January 2013: Regulatory issues with Xiaomi's smart set-top box are resolved

In January 2013, the regulatory issues that caused Xiaomi's smart set-top box to stop working in November 2012 were resolved.

2013: Debate over Xiaomi's product innovation

In 2013, critics debated the extent of Xiaomi's product innovation, questioning whether it was genuine or primarily good public relations.

2013: Xiaomi announces it will release Kernel code

In January 2018, Xiaomi faced criticism for its non-compliance with the GNU General Public License regarding the Android project's Linux kernel. Xiaomi in 2013 said that it would release the kernel code. The kernel source code was available on the GitHub website in 2020.

August 2014: Taiwanese FTC investigates Xiaomi flash sales

In August 2014, the Taiwanese Fair Trade Commission investigated Xiaomi's flash sales and discovered that Xiaomi sold fewer smartphones than advertised. Xiaomi was fined NT$600,000 by the FTC.

October 2014: Xiaomi sets up servers outside of China for international users

On October 23, 2014, Xiaomi announced it was setting up servers outside of China for international users, aiming to improve services and comply with regulations in various countries.

December 2014: Delhi High Court bans import and sale of Xiaomi products in India

On December 9, 2014, the Delhi High Court issued an ex parte injunction, banning the import and sale of Xiaomi products in India following a patent infringement complaint by Ericsson. On December 16, 2014, permission was granted for Xiaomi to sell devices running on a Qualcomm-based processor until January 8, 2015.

January 2015: High Court permits Xiaomi to sell Qualcomm-based devices until January 8, 2015

On December 16, 2014, the High Court granted permission to Xiaomi to sell its devices running on a Qualcomm-based processor until January 8, 2015. Xiaomi then held various sales on Flipkart, including one on 30 December 2014. Its flagship Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G phone sold out in six seconds.

February 2015: Hearing of Xiaomi case scheduled in Delhi High Court

On December 9, 2014, the Delhi High Court granted an ex parte injunction that banned the import and sale of Xiaomi products in India. The injunction was applicable until February 5, 2015, the date on which the High Court was scheduled to summon both parties for a formal hearing of the case.

January 2018: Criticism for Xiaomi's non-compliance with GNU General Public License

In January 2018, Xiaomi faced criticism for its non-compliance with the GNU General Public License regarding the Android project's Linux kernel. Android developer Francisco Franco publicly criticized Xiaomi for delays in releasing kernel source code. Xiaomi had said in 2013 that it would release the kernel code. The kernel source code was available on the GitHub website in 2020.

March 2018: Interim order allowing Xiaomi to sell Qualcomm handsets extended

A judge extended the division bench's interim order, allowing Xiaomi to continue the sale of Qualcomm chipset-based handsets until March 2018.

2018: Top-Selling Brand in Russian Online Stores

Since 2018, Xiaomi has been the top-selling brand in Russian online stores.

2019: Xiaomi obtains robot vacuum patent

In July 2021, Xiaomi claimed to Amazon that Wyze Labs had infringed upon its 2019 robot vacuum patent. Subsequently, on July 15, 2021, Wyze filed a lawsuit against Xiaomi in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, challenging the validity of Xiaomi's 2019 robot vacuum patent.

2020: Kernel source code available on the GitHub website

In January 2018, Xiaomi faced criticism for its non-compliance with the GNU General Public License regarding the Android project's Linux kernel. The kernel source code was available on the GitHub website in 2020.

January 2021: U.S. Government Names Xiaomi as Military-Linked

On 14 January 2021, the United States federal government named Xiaomi as a company "owned or controlled" by the People's Liberation Army, prohibiting American investment.

January 2021: KPN sues Xiaomi for patent infringement

On January 19, 2021, KPN, a Dutch telecommunications company, initiated a lawsuit against Xiaomi for patent infringement.

February 2021: Xiaomi Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Government

On 17 February 2021, Xiaomi filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the designation.

March 2021: Xiaomi introduces new logo

In March 2021, Xiaomi replaced its original logo, an orange square with "MI" in white, with a new logo designed by Kenya Hara. The new logo features a "squircle" with rounded corners while retaining the "MI" letters.

March 2021: Federal Court Blocks Investment Ban

On 12 March 2021, a federal court blocked the investment ban, expressing skepticism regarding the government's claims and calling the blacklisting "deeply flawed".

May 2021: Agreement Reached to Remove Military Designation

In May 2021, Xiaomi reached an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to remove the designation of the company as military-linked.

July 2021: Xiaomi alleges Wyze Labs infringed upon its robot vacuum patent

September 2021: Lithuania urges citizens to dispose of Chinese-made phones amidst censorship concerns

In September 2021, amidst tensions between China and Lithuania, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence advised citizens to discard Chinese-made mobile phones, following claims from the National Cyber Security Centre of Lithuania that Xiaomi devices possess built-in censorship capabilities that could be remotely activated. Xiaomi denied the accusations and initiated a third-party assessment.

2021: Xiaomi's market share contracts in China

During 2021, Xiaomi's market share in China contracted over consecutive quarters, from 17% to 14% between Q2 and Q3, and further to 13.2% as of Q4.

2021: Harman Kardon collaborates with Xiaomi

In 2021, Harman Kardon collaborated with Xiaomi, with the Xiaomi Mi 11 series being the first smartphones to feature Harman Kardon-tuned dual speaker setup.

2021: Xiaomi announces investment in electric vehicles

In 2021, Xiaomi announced a US$10 billion investment into electric vehicles (EVs).

2021: Xiaomi collaborates with directors to create short films

In 2021, Xiaomi started collaborating with directors to produce short films using the Xiaomi Mi 11 line of phones.

February 2022: Xiaomi announces plans to enter the high-end smartphone market

In February 2022, Lei Jun announced Xiaomi's plans to enter the high-end smartphone market and surpass Apple in China within three years. Xiaomi will invest US$15.7 billion in R&D over five years and benchmark its products against Apple's.

March 2022: Xiaomi inaugurates mobile device manufacturing plant in Pakistan

On March 4, 2022, Xiaomi's mobile device manufacturing plant was inaugurated in Pakistan in conjunction with Select Technologies (Pvt) Limited, an Air Link subsidiary. The plant is located in Lahore.

April 2022: Asset Seizure by India's Enforcement Directorate

In April 2022, India's Enforcement Directorate seized assets from Xiaomi as part of an investigation into violations of foreign exchange laws. The asset seizure was subsequently put on hold by a court order, but later upheld.

May 2022: Indian Court Lifts Freeze on Xiaomi Assets

In May 2022, the Indian court lifted the $725 million freeze on Xiaomi by federal agencies.

July 2022: Uncertain future for Xiaomi's Pakistan plant due to supply chain crisis

As of July 2022, the future of Xiaomi's mobile device manufacturing plant in Pakistan is uncertain due to the 2021–2023 global supply chain crisis.

July 2022: Xiaomi Leads Russian Smartphone Market

In July 2022, Xiaomi and its sub-brand POCO together held 42% of the Russian smartphone market, ranking first in terms of sales, despite suspending marketing in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

August 2022: Leica Camera partners with Xiaomi

In August 2022, Leica Camera entered a strategic partnership with Xiaomi to develop Leica cameras for Xiaomi flagship smartphones. The first smartphones under this partnership were the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi MIX Fold 2.

August 2022: Xiaomi Group ranks 266th on Fortune Global 500 list

In August 2022, Xiaomi Group's ranking on the Fortune Global 500 list rose to 266th, an increase of 72 positions compared to the previous year.

August 2022: Murali Krishnan B elevated to president of Xiaomi India

In August 2022, Xiaomi India promoted COO Murali Krishnan B to president. In his new role, Murali Krishnan B took responsibility for the company's daily operations, services, public affairs, and strategic projects, with a focus on strengthening Xiaomi's commitment to the Made in India and Digital India initiatives.

December 2022: Redmi Note series global sales exceed 300 million units

In December 2022, Xiaomi announced that the global cumulative sales of the Redmi Note series had exceeded 300 million units, marking a significant milestone for the product line.

2022: Xiaomi leads Indian smartphone sales in Q1

According to a 2022 report by Canalys, Xiaomi led Indian smartphone sales in Q1. Xiaomi is recognized for maintaining device affordability in India.

2022: Xiaomi debuts humanoid robot prototype

In 2022, Xiaomi announced and debuted the company's humanoid robot prototype to the public, marking their ambitions to integrate AI into product designs and develop their humanoid robot project further.

2022: Xiaomi produces two short films with Jessica Henwick

In 2022, Xiaomi made two short films with Jessica Henwick. One of these, "Bus Girl", won several awards.

February 2023: Redmi releases 300W fast charging technology

In February 2023, Redmi introduced a 300W fast charging technology, capable of charging a 4100mAh battery to 10% in 3 seconds, 50% in 2 minutes 13 seconds, and fully charging it in 5 minutes.

April 2023: Listed as "International Sponsor of War" by Ukraine

On 13 April 2023, Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention listed Xiaomi Corporation and 13 Xiaomi senior executives on the agency's list of "international sponsors of war" because the company continued its business in Russia after Russia's invasion and remained a leader in smartphone sales there.

September 2023: Huawei and Xiaomi reach global patent cross-licensing agreement

In September 2023, Huawei and Xiaomi announced that they had reached a global patent cross-licensing agreement, covering various communications technologies, including 5G.

September 2023: Finnish Carriers Halt Sales of Xiaomi Products

On 21 September 2023, some of Finland's mobile carriers (Telia, DNA, and Elisa) halted the sale of Xiaomi Technology products due to the company's ongoing business activities in Russia.

October 2023: Lawsuit against Xiaomi stopped in favor of Xiaomi's request

In October 2023, the Regional Court of Duesseldorf stopped hearing the lawsuit in favor of the request of Xiaomi.

2023: "Bus Girl" long-listed for Best British Short at BAFTA

In 2023, Xiaomi's short film, "Bus Girl", was long-listed for Best British Short at the BAFTA.

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2023: Xiaomi Auto unveils first production vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7

In late 2023, Xiaomi Auto unveiled its first production vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7, and announced a goal to become one of the five largest automakers globally.

2023: Xiaomi publishes industrial designs

In the 2024 review of WIPO's annual World Intellectual Property Indicators it was recorded that Xiaomi had 315 designs in industrial design registrations being published under the Hague System during 2023.

March 2024: Xiaomi officially launches the SU7 sedan in Beijing

On March 28, 2024, Xiaomi officially launched the SU7 sedan in Beijing, manufactured under contract with BAIC Group.

July 2024: Lei Jun cites sanctions as reason for EV company

In July 2024, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun said that the reason Xiaomi decided to build cars and set up the Xiaomi electric vehicles company was because of the sanctions list announced by the United States in January 2021.

July 2024: Xiaomi obtains production license for electric vehicles

In July 2024, Xiaomi obtained a production license for electric vehicles, enabling it to independently manufacture its electric vehicles. Xiaomi's EV factory, located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, is centered around its proprietary integrated die casting system, the Hyper Die-Casting 79100 Cluster.

2024: Xiaomi's published patent applications

In 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Annual PCT Review noted that Xiaomi had published 1,889 patent applications during 2024.

2024: Xiaomi ranked 5th in WIPO's industrial design registrations

In the 2024 review of WIPO's annual World Intellectual Property Indicators, Xiaomi was ranked 5th in the world, with 315 designs in industrial design registrations being published under the Hague System during 2023.

April 2025: Xiaomi releases MiMo-7B reasoning model

In April 2025, Xiaomi released MiMo-7B reasoning model, entering the field of Artificial Intelligence.

May 2025: Xiaomi releases XRING O1 mobile phone processor chip

In May 2025, Lei Jun announced the upcoming release of the 3nm process mobile phone processor chip XRING O1, independently developed and designed by Xiaomi. On May 22, 2025, XRING O1 was officially released and installed on Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra.

May 2025: Research reveals weak encryption in Xiaomi's Mi Store apps

In May 2025, a study by Princeton University and Citizen Lab found that 47.6% of the tested apps from Xiaomi's Mi Store use non-standard and weak encryption protocols, potentially enabling eavesdropping. Over 130 billion vulnerable app downloads were recorded.

June 2025: Launch of Xiaomi Auto's first SUV model Xiaomi YU7

On June 26, 2025, Xiaomi Auto officially launched its first SUV model, the Xiaomi YU7.

2025: Xiaomi ranks 8th in WIPO's Annual PCT Review

In 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Annual PCT Review ranked Xiaomi 8th in the world for the number of patent applications published under the PCT System. 1,889 patent applications were published during 2024.