How Xiaomi is copying Apple: from iPhone to AirPods – we analyze 10 key borrowings

Copying successful solutions is commonplace in the tech world, but when it comes to Xiaomi and Apple, the issue is particularly heated, with the Chinese brand repeatedly accused of plagiarizing iPhone design, iOS interface, and even packaging, while Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, openly admitted that he was inspired by Apple products, calling them “teachers.”

But where does inspiration end and copying begin? In this article, we'll analyze 10 of Xiaomi's most obvious borrowings from Apple, from the look of smartphones to the signature chips of the ecosystem, which models have been victimized by plagiarism, how Apple has responded to it, and why copying sometimes benefits users.

Spoiler: Not all that clear. Some of the "copied" solutions Xiaomilater has improved and adapted to their needs, and in some cases, the Chinese brand even overtook Apple — for example, wireless charging or quick unlock in the face.

Ready to figure out where Mi becomes i?

1. iPhone design: from Mi 4 to Mi 11 Ultra

The most obvious and discussed item: In 2014, Xiaomi released the Mi 4, a smartphone that was almost an exact replica of the iPhone. 5s. The aluminum case, the rounded edges, even the buttons and the cameras matched, and the only difference was the logo on the back.

Apple has not stood by: in 2016, the company sued Xiaomi for infringement of patent rights to the design. the lawsuit was settled out of court, but that did not stop the Chinese brand. Later came the Mi 5 (similar to the iPhone 6), Mi 8 (a copy of the iPhone X) and even Mi 11 Ultra with a huge camera module reminiscent of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

• 📱 Mi 4 (2014) → iPhone 5s (Even the color scheme of "gray space" and "gold" coincided)

Interestingly, Xiaomi has never hidden these parallels, and in 2018, Lei Jun posted a photo on social media comparing the Mi 8 to the iPhone X, stressing that his smartphone is “just as good, but cheaper.” Marketing ploy or recognition?

⚠️ Note: If you see a Xiaomi smartphone with an “iPhone-like” design, check the year of release.Models older than 2020 often had obvious borrowings, while the new series (Xiaomi 13, 14) already develop their own style.

Interface MIUI iOS: Where is the line between inspiration and copying?

System system MIUI It was always famous for its work, but many of the elements were borrowed from iOS. For example, in early versions, even the icons of the application looked like Apple, and animations and transitions copied the style of the iPhone.

The following borrowings were particularly striking:

• 📁 Control Panel (swipe up) – an exact copy of Control Center from iOS, including the location of buttons and icons
• 🔔 Notification centre - up to MIUI 12 it opened swipe down, like in iOS (in Android standard swipe - up)
• 🔒 Lock screen – display style of time, date and notifications for a long time repeated the iPhone
• 🎨 Themes and wallpapers - many standard wallpapers in MIUI It was almost identical to the iOS wallpaper.

With the exit. MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 Xiaomi began to move away from this style, adding its own chips like super-wallpapers (animated) 3D-backgrounds) and sidebar (quick access to apps with a swipe from the edge of the screen), but traces of iOS are still visible, for example, in the animation of closing applications or the design of system icons.

Apple has never officially made claims about the interface, but in 2019, the network appeared screenshots, where MIUI Literally copied the “Dark theme” mode from iOS 13 – up to shades of gray and blue in the settings.

3. AirPods vs Mi AirDots: Wireless headphones under a microscope

In 2019, Xiaomi released Mi AirDots, wireless headphones that looked and functioned like the first-generation Apple AirPods. It was a similar name! Later, Mi AirDots Pro, which already resembled the AirPods Pro, came with active noise cancellation and inserts.

Let's compare the key similarities:

The differences, of course, were: Mi AirDots had worse sound quality, less battery life and did not support smooth switching between devices (the feature of AirPods). 3-4 cheaply.

Apple has not sued over the matter, but Xiaomi stopped releasing headphones under the Mi AirDots brand in 2020, renaming the lineup Redmi Buds and Xiaomi Buds.Perhaps it was due to pressure from Apple or a desire to distance itself from plagiarism allegations.

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If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to AirPods, look for the Redmi Buds 4 Pro – they don’t copy Apple’s design anymore, but they offer a new version of the Apple design. ANC and good sound quality for ~50$.

4. Wireless charging: who was the first?

Many people think wireless charging is Apple's thing, but Xiaomi actually did it before. In 2017, the company released the Mi Mix. 2S with support for Qi-charging, while the iPhone 8 and iPhone X received this feature only in the fall of the same year.

But there’s a nuance: Xiaomi copied Apple’s marketing approach. When the Mi 9 came out in 2018 with a 20W wireless charging, the company positioned it as a “breakthrough”, although in fact the technology was already worked out on the Mi Mix. 2S. Apple did the same with the iPhone 12 and MagSafe, introducing something that had long been on the market as an innovation.

Xiaomi has also borrowed from Apple:

• 🔋 Design of charging stations – round stands Mi Wireless Charging Pad copied Apple MagSafe Charger
• 📱 Charging animation – the lock screen displayed the same battery icon as in iOS
• 🔌 Reverse Wireless Charging feature in Mi 9 appeared earlier than in iPhone 13, but the marketing pitch was similar

Interestingly, today Xiaomi has overtaken Apple in wireless charging power: flagship Xiaomi 13 Pro and 14 Ultra support 50 watts, while the iPhone is still limited to 15 watts (7.5 watts without MagSafe).

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Xiaomi often copies Apple’s marketing moves, but sometimes overtakes it in terms of technical specifications – as is the case with wireless charging.

5. Face ID Face Unlock: Who better recognizes faces?

Face recognition system ID The iPhone X became the hallmark of 2017. A year later, Xiaomi introduced the Mi 8 Explorer Edition with a new model. 3D-The face scanner that externally and functionally copied Apple’s solution.

Compare the technology:

The main difference is security. ID Apple uses neural networks and a secure Secure Enclave chip, while Xiaomi’s solution was less reliable.In 2019, researchers proved that the Mi 8 Explorer can be unlocked using a photo of the owner, while the iPhone does not respond to this.

Xiaomi is no longer copying Face. ID — In the new model, either classical 2D-a scanner (less secure) or a fingerprint scanner under the screen.

⚠️ Note: If you use Face Unlock on Xiaomi for payments (like Mi Pay), disable this feature! ID, It does not provide a level of protection for banks.

6.Apple Pencil vs Xiaomi Smart Pen: styluses under a microscope

In 2021, Xiaomi released the Mi Pad 5 with the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus, which externally and functionally copied the second-generation Apple Pencil. Even the way it attaches to the tablet (magnetic) and shape were almost identical.

What do they look like?

• ✏️ Design - cylindrical body, glossy coating, flat end for magnetic fastening
• 🔋 Charging is wireless, when attached to a tablet (like the Apple Pencil 2)
• 🎨 Functions - support for tilt, pressure, cancellation of the action with double touch
• ⚡ Delay input — claimed delay of 2 ms (Apple — 9 ms, but in practice the difference is imperceptible)

The difference was in price: Xiaomi Smart Pen was worth it ~$100, while Apple Pencil 2 — $129.However, tests have shown that Xiaomi's stylus performs worse with tilt and has calibration problems on some apps.

In 2022, Xiaomi released the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 with improved ergonomics, but without explicitly copying Apple.

7 Packaging and accessories: small things that give out copying

Xiaomi copied Apple's gadgets, but also small things like packaging and accessories.

• 📦 Smartphone boxes – until 2020, Xiaomi’s packaging had a minimalist design with a white background and a large logo, like Apple’s.
• 🔌 Charging blocks – compact white adapters Mi Charge copied the design of charging Apple (even the shape of the plug was similar).
• 🎧 Headphones included – white wired headphones Mi Earphones looked like Apple EarPods, including the shape of the earbuds.
• 🛍️ Branded stores – the design of the Mi Store has long copied the Apple Store (tables with products, minimalist storefronts).

In 2021, Xiaomi began to move away from this style – for example, charging units are now available in black and orange, and packaging has become more vivid, perhaps due to the desire to create your own brand style.

But some trivia remained, like the Xiaomi 13 comes with a white sticker box, just like Apple's in iPhone boxes.

Check the serial number on Xiaomi’s website|Pay attention to the quality of the plastic (the original does not creak)|Make sure there is a branded logo sticker in the kit|Compare the packaging with the official photos on the website-->

8.Ecosystem and Services: Mi Account vs Apple ID

Apple is famous for its ecosystem, and Xiaomi has tried to replicate this success, such as the Mi Account service, which copies many of Apple's features. ID:

• 🔑 Single Authorization – One account for all devices (like Apple)
• ☁️ Cloud storage – Mi Cloud with 5 GB free (Apple has iCloud with the same 5 GB)
• 📱 Data synchronization – Contacts, notes, photos are automatically synchronized between devices
• 🛒 Branded app store - Mi App Store (analogue of the App Store, but with a lot of advertising)

However, there are key differences:

• ❌ There is no analogue of AirDrop – for fast file transfer between devices Xiaomi has to use third-party applications
• ❌ Find My: Finding a lost device through Mi Cloud is worse

The main problem with Mi Account is region-specificity: If you bought a Xiaomi smartphone for the Chinese market, many features (such as the Mi Cloud) may not work outside of China.

However, Xiaomi is actively developing the ecosystem: in 2023, HyperOS appeared, which should unite all the devices of the brand (smartphones, laptops, smart home) – similar to how Apple connects iPhone, Mac and iPad through Continuity.

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Xiaomi's ecosystem is still far behind Apple in integration, but it's growing at a rapid pace. If you only use Xiaomi smartphones, the Mi Account will be useful. If you have other devices (Mac, iPad), it's better to stay in the Apple ecosystem.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Copying