Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 3 update is here for the Xiaomi 15, and after testing it for a full week, I can confidently say this might be the company’s riskiest move yet.
HyperOS 3 brings deep Apple ecosystem integration, brand-new interconnectivity features, and visual overhauls that aim to blur the line between Android and iOS. But with big ambitions come big risks. This update could either redefine Xiaomi’s vision or backfire completely when the Xiaomi 17 launches globally.
Here’s my complete review — everything that’s great, what still feels broken, and whether you should update to HyperOS 3 or wait for the stable build.
1. The Vision Behind HyperOS 3
Xiaomi’s original goal with HyperOS was to create a connected ecosystem across all its smart devices — from smartphones and tablets to wearables and even electric cars.
With HyperOS 3, the company has taken this vision a massive step forward by opening up compatibility with Apple devices.
Yes, you read that right — this update doesn’t just connect Xiaomi devices with each other. It also works with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
2. HyperOS Interconnectivity: Xiaomi Meets Apple
You can now install the Xiaomi Interconnectivity app on Apple devices running iOS 14 or later, meaning even an old iPhone 6s can use it.
Once set up, it acts just like AirDrop. You can share files instantly between your iPhone and Xiaomi phone, and vice versa.
But Xiaomi didn’t stop there — on MacBooks and iPads, you can actually:
- Launch Xiaomi apps remotely
- Drag and drop files between devices
- Mirror your Xiaomi phone’s screen (including the camera viewfinder!)
This last feature is particularly useful for content creators, letting you frame shots directly from your Mac or iPad — something even iPhones can’t do natively with macOS.
The mirrored display even syncs the audio output, so whatever plays on your Xiaomi phone is also heard through your Apple device.
It’s an unexpected move, but a clever one. Xiaomi is clearly trying to appeal to iPhone users looking for an Android alternative without losing the convenience of Apple’s ecosystem.
3. What About Windows Users?
For PC users, Xiaomi relies on Microsoft’s Phone Link app.
It’s functional and integrated directly into Windows and Android, so no extra downloads are required. You can:
- Transfer files wirelessly
- Access apps in separate windows
- View notifications and messages
However, the screen sharing quality is noticeably worse compared to Xiaomi’s own solution. The resolution drops, and there’s a bit of input lag while gaming or multitasking.
Xiaomi’s system, on the other hand, feels native — responsive, high-quality, and practically seamless.
You can even unlock your Xiaomi phone using Touch ID from an iPad or MacBook, something not possible with Windows integration.
So, if you use Apple devices, this update makes Xiaomi phones fit into that ecosystem almost as smoothly as another iPhone would.
4. Visual Design and UI Changes
HyperOS 3 refines almost every animation. Transitions, app openings, and interactions now feel silkier and more consistent than ever.
A major highlight is the Hyper Island feature, which brings live activity tracking to Xiaomi phones — similar to the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. You can monitor multiple live events simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly.
Customization Upgrades
Xiaomi has added tons of personalization options, including:
- New wallpaper editor for creating home + lock screen pairs
- Depth effects and blur controls for wallpapers
- Larger, customizable clock styles
- New fingerprint unlock animations
However, not everything lands perfectly.
5. Control Center and Widget Problems
The new Control Center uses white active buttons instead of blue, similar to iOS. While it looks modern, it can be uncomfortable to use in dark environments because the icons are too bright.
The Widget section, unfortunately, is a bit of a disaster.
- There are multiple widgets for the same functions.
- Some fail to load or redirect to external sites that mimic apps.
- Layout inconsistencies make the home screen look cluttered.
It’s clear Xiaomi wanted to make widgets more powerful, but the current system feels unfinished and messy.
6. Performance and Thermals
Performance-wise, the Xiaomi 15 remains a powerhouse. Everyday use feels buttery smooth, and the phone hasn’t slowed down one bit since launch.
However, heat management is still a concern. While gaming, temperatures rise quickly, making the device uncomfortable to hold after just a minute or two.
Interestingly, Geekbench scores have dropped slightly with each major HyperOS update, including this one. Yet, AnTuTu scores have gone up, showing better sustained performance under heavy loads.
The takeaway? Xiaomi seems to be optimizing real-world performance rather than chasing benchmark numbers.
7. Camera Improvements and AI Editing
The camera experience has seen subtle but meaningful upgrades.
Leica Portrait Mode
Leica-style portraits now handle highlights and contrast better, avoiding the overexposed look seen in earlier builds.
HDR and App Layout
HDR has improved significantly, and the camera app feels cleaner and easier for one-handed use.
The problematic “HDR Video” mode that added noise instead of range has thankfully been removed, but Dolby Vision recording remains for users who want that cinematic quality.
Gallery and Editing Tools
The Gallery app has been modernized, adding:
- New filters and watermark styles
- A dedicated AI beauty adjustment tool
- A restructured editing layout
However, the AI editing tools are confusingly placed. The “Erase” option, for example, is now hidden under the Create tab, which feels counterintuitive.
The new manual object removal mode uses on-device AI, but accuracy is inconsistent. For better results, users must switch to “Wipe Mode,” which uploads the photo to Xiaomi servers for cloud-based processing.
While this offers precision, it’s poor UX design and not ideal for privacy-conscious users.
8. Battery and Stability
Battery life remains solid — about the same as before — and Xiaomi’s battery protection features (like charging limits) have been available since launch.
No major drain issues or stability problems appeared during the week of testing, which is impressive for an early-stage update.
9. Where Xiaomi Got It Right — and Wrong
✅ The Good
- Seamless interconnectivity with Apple devices
- Smooth, refined animations
- Improved HDR and camera layout
- Better real-world performance under load
- Strong customization options
❌ The Bad
- Widgets need serious cleanup
- White control center icons are harsh in dark mode
- Confusing AI tools placement
- Inconsistent animation polish on Apple devices
- Some UX elements still feel half-finished
10. Final Verdict: A Brave Move Toward Apple’s Territory
Xiaomi’s decision to skip the “Xiaomi 16” series and go straight to Xiaomi 17 is symbolic — they want to challenge Apple directly.
With HyperOS 3, Xiaomi has built an ecosystem that genuinely rivals Apple’s level of device integration, but also imitates it in places where it doesn’t need to.
The interconnectivity app for iOS is powerful, but the animations and “liquid glass” design mimic Apple a little too closely — and not always convincingly.
Still, what matters most is that the core functionality works beautifully. File sharing, mirroring, multitasking, and performance are all handled exceptionally well.
🌟 Final Thoughts
HyperOS 3 isn’t perfect — it’s ambitious, experimental, and a bit unpolished — but it’s a bold step in the right direction.
If Xiaomi continues refining this approach, HyperOS could become the best Android ecosystem for cross-platform users.
Verdict: 8.3/10
✅ Excellent Apple integration, improved performance
⚠️ Rough edges and messy widgets hold it back
Xiaomi is clearly chasing Apple’s polish — and while it’s not there yet, HyperOS 3 proves they’re closer than ever before.