New set-top box Xiaomi 2026: the official release date, leaks and what is known today

Xiaomi has been a leader in the Android market for several years. TV-The Mi Homeโ€™s latest global model, the Mi Box S (2nd generation), was released back in 2018, and its successor, the Mi Box, was launched in 2018. 4S The Pro never got widespread outside of China, and it sparked a wave of rumors that Xiaomi would launch a full-fledged new set-top box for the international market?

In this article, we've gathered all the information available, from official statements (almost none) to insider data from Chinese sources. S928X-J2 supportive AV1 and 8K, Or we should consider alternatives now, and we should also analyze how often Xiaomi updates the lineup. TV-The boxes and what it means for potential buyers.

Previous Previous post: What Did Xiaomi Say About the New Console?

At the time of the article update (June 2026), Xiaomi did not announce a new global TV set-top box, the latest official news was only about regional models:

  • ๐Ÿ“… Mi Box 4S Pro (2021) โ€“ released exclusively for China with Amlogic chip S905X4 Support for Dolby Vision.
  • ๐ŸŒ Mi TV Stick 4K (2023 โ€“ updated the โ€œstickerโ€, but not a full-fledged box.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Software updates for Mi Box S stopped in 2022 (last version is Android) TV 9).

The only hint of a new model came from Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun in a tweet from March 2026, where he mentioned โ€œimmediate innovations in the Smart segmentโ€. TV". However, it could be both consoles and TVs Mi. TV Q2 orophone.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you see โ€œofficial release datesโ€ on unverified resources (especially those with a reference to โ€œ2026โ€) Q3"), Xiaomi traditionally announces new devices at the presentations of Mi Fan Festival (April) or Xiaomi Civi (September), but this year TV-The boxes didn't figure there.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of TV set-top box are you using now?
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Nvidia Shield
Apple TV
Another Android console
I'm smart. TV prefixed

Leaks and rumors: what characteristics to expect?

Chinese insiders (particularly the account) @DigitalChatStation Weibo) distributed the proposed specifications of the new console on two models:

CharacteristicsMi Box 5 (basic)Mi Box 5 Pro (premium)
ProcessorAmlogic S905X5 (4ร— Cortex-A55)Amlogic S928X-J2 (4ร— Cortex-A73)
GPUMali-G31 MP2Mali-G52 MP6
RAM/ROM2/16 GB4/64 GB
Support for video4K@60, HDR10, Dolby Vision8K@24, AV1, Dolby Vision IQ
OSAndroid TV 12Android TV 14 (c) MIUI TV 7)

The most intriguing details:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game mode with support for cloud gaming Xiaomi Game Turbo (analogue of GeForce) NOW).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Dolby Atmos speakers (in Pro version) โ€“ previously only in Mi TV Soundbar.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 for low latency wireless headphones.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Active cooling (fan) in the Pro-version is rare for the TV-boxing.

But there are some issues, like support. 8K Mi Box 5 Pro looks like a marketing ploy: there is almost no real content in this resolution, and Amlogic would be enough for upscale. S905X4. Itโ€™s a big challenge to compete with Nvidia Shield Pro 2026.

Why Xiaomi can delay the release?
The main reason is the low profitability of the segment. IDC, Android TV-Boxes fall by 12% annually due to the growth of the popularity of Smart TV And streaming consoles like Amazon Fire Stick, Xiaomi can focus on hybrid devices like Mi. TV Stick, or integration of console features into Mi TVs TV Q Pro.

Mi Box S: Should I wait for an update?

If youโ€™re currently choosing between buying the Mi Box S (2018) and waiting for a new model, here are the key differences:

ParameterMi Box S (2018)Mi Box 5 (expected)
ProductivityChip. S905X, 2 GB of RAM - brakes in 4KChip. S905X5, 2/4 GB RAM - a smooth interface
Support for codecsNo. AV1, Problems with Dolby VisionAV1, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+
Operating systemAndroid TV 9 (no updates)Android TV 12/14 (guarantee 3+ years)
Price (expected)~3 500 โ‚ฝ (obsolete)~5 000โ€“7 000 โ‚ฝ (Pro-version)

When is the Mi Box S worth taking right now?

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget limited to 3,000-4,000 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Need a simple upscale to 1080p โ†’ 4K (For example, for an old TV).
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Dolby Vision is not required or AV1 (You only use YouTube and Netflix in basic quality).

When is the best time to wait?

  • ๐ŸŽฎ You are planning to play cloud games (Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce) NOW).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Dolby Atmos is important. DTS:X home-theater.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Want integration with the Mi Home ecosystem (smart home management from the remote control).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you need a here and now, consider alternatives: Nvidia Shield TV Pro (for gamers) or MECOOL KM6 (budgetary option AV1).

Alternatives to the new Xiaomi TV Box: What to Buy in 2026?

If you donโ€™t want to wait for the new Xiaomi, here are 5 proven alternatives with current characteristics:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2026) โ€” Best choice for gamers: Tegra chip X2+, support for GeForce NOW into 4K/120 Hz, AI-Upscaling: ~15 000 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ MECOOL KM6 Deluxe - Budget King: Amlogic S905X4, 4/32 GB, AV1, Dolby Vision, price tag: ~5 500 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐ŸŽ Apple TV 4K (2022 โ€“ for Apple fans: chip A15 Bionic, iPhone integration, but no AV1. Price: ~12 000 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max โ€“ for streaming: fast Wi-Fi 6, support for Prime Video 4K HDR. Price: ~4 000 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐Ÿค– X96 X6 Pro โ€“ Chinese โ€œwagonโ€: Rockchip RK3588, 8/128 GB, but weak firmware: ~7 000 โ‚ฝ.

Comparative table on key parameters:

ModelChip.AV1Dolby VisionPrice (โ‚ฝ)
Nvidia Shield TV ProTegra X2+โŒโœ… (upscale)~15 000
MECOOL KM6S905X4โœ…โœ…~5 500
Apple TV 4KA15 BionicโŒโœ…~12 000
Fire TV Stick 4K MaxMT8696โŒโœ… (only HDR10+)~4 000

โš ๏ธ Note: If you choose a prefix for IPTV, pay attention to support DRM Widevine L1 (Needed for Netflix in Full HD). The Mi Box S has it, but many Chinese boxes donโ€™t.

When to expect the announcement: analysis of previous releases Xiaomi

Studying the history of releases TV-Xiaomi boxes, you can identify patterns:

  • ๐Ÿ“… Mi Box 3 (2016) โ†’ Mi Box S (2018): 2-year interval.
  • ๐ŸŒ Mi Box 4 (2018, China only) โ†’ Mi Box 4S Pro (2021): 3-year interval.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ There were no global releases after 2021, only regional updates. TV Stick 4K 2023).

If we stick to this logic, a new global model could come out:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Optimistic scenario: September 2026 (presentation of Xiaomi) 14T).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Realistic scenario: first quarter 2026 (together with Mi) TV Q3).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Pessimistic scenario: Xiaomi will abandon consoles in favor of integrating functions into TVs.

Additional factors that may affect the date:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Market decline: According to Strategy Analytics, Android sales TV-Boxes fell by 18% in 2023.
  • ๐Ÿค Google partnership: Xiaomi can wait for Android TV 15 (autumn 2026).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Certification problems: For example, Mi Box 4S Pro never got Netflix on the show. 4K due to the absence of Widevine L1.

๐Ÿ’ก

Subscribe to the channel. @XiaomiRussia Telegram is the first to get news about local releases, and check the certification of devices on the site. FCC (code-search 2026MIBOX).

How to Prepare for Buying a New Xiaomi TV Box?

If you are determined to wait for the new console, here is a checklist for preparation:

โ˜‘๏ธ What to do before the release of a new model

Done: 0 / 5

Technical nuances that should be considered:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ HDMI-Ports: New console may require HDMI 2.1. 8K or ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode. Check your TV connectors.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Wi-Fi: For Wi-Fi 6E You need a router with 6 GHz support (for example, Xiaomi Router) BE7000).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming controllers: If you plan to cloud gaming, make sure your gamepad is compatible with Android TV (Xbox Wireless Controller or DualSense).

Where's the best place to buy?

  • ๐ŸŒ Official channels: Mi Store Russia, SberMegaMarket (12-month warranty).
  • ๐Ÿ›’ Marketplace: Wildberries or Ozon โ€“ but check the seller (ranked above 4.8).
  • ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ AliExpress: cheaper by 20-30%, but the risk of running into a fake (look for sellers with Top Brand).

โš ๏ธ Note: When buying on AliExpress, pay attention to the firmware version.Chinese models (Mi Box) 4S Pros often do not support Google Play and have limited Netflix functionality.

Frequent questions about the new Xiaomi TV set-top box

๐Ÿ” Will the new system support the IPTV and torrent clients?
All previous Xiaomi models (except Mi) TV Stick allowed to be installed IPTV-Players (e.g. TiviMate) and torrent clients (LibreTorrent, Transmission) however, this requires: APK via Send Files to TV or ADB. Widevine's presence L1 Restrictions can only appear in Chinese versions of firmware (e.g. blocking Google Play).
๐ŸŽฎ Can I play cloud games (GeForce)? NOW, Xbox Cloud)?
Yes, but with reservations: GeForce NOW Officially supports Android TV, but requires a gamepad and stable Internet (from 25 Mbps for 1080p). Xbox Cloud Gaming works via a browser (Edge or Chrome), but there may be lags due to lack of optimization.For comfortable gaming, a version with 4 GB of RAM is recommended (presumably the Mi Box 5 Pro).
๐Ÿ“บ Will there be support for the new console? AV1 Dolby Vision and?
According to the leaks, yes, but with nuances: AV1 It will only be available on the Amlogic chip. S905X5/S928X-J2 (That's what the Mi Box is. 5 Mi Box 5 Dolby Vision is expected in both versions, but Dolby Vision IQ (With dynamic lighting adjustment, only in the Pro version, Netflix may not support Dolby Vision on new models due to certification issues (as it did with the Mi Box). 4S Pro).
๐Ÿ”„ How to Update Your Old Mi Box S to a New Version?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to update the Mi Box S to the new console's performance.The maximum you can do is: Install custom firmware (e.g. ATVXperience) via USB Burning Tool. Use Magisk for root rights and performance optimization. Connect externally SSD through OTG But even then, the hardware narrows down the video (e.g, AV1) It wonโ€™t work, youโ€™ll need a new chip.
๐Ÿ’ก Should you wait for the new Xiaomi if you need the console right now?
The answer depends on your tasks: Buy now: If you need a base streaming console (YouTube, KinoPoisk) or IPTV โ€” Mi Box S or MECOOL KM6 Wait: If Dolby Atmos is important, AV1 Or cloud gaming, the new model will live up to the expectation. Consider the alternatives: For gamers, Nvidia Shield, for budgets, Fire. TV Stick 4K Max.The wait period may be delayed until 2026, so if the console is needed urgently, it is better not to risk it.