HyperOS: 5 things Xiaomi needs to fix with its new Android skin

Xiaomi has put an end to the rumors by confirming that it will not launch MIUI 15 as its next software update, but rather a new Android skin called HyperOS. The new name represents a more comprehensive update compared to Xiaomi’s previous software skins.

We’ve already seen some leaked screenshots of HyperOS, but nothing is clear yet. So for now, we have a list of things Xiaomi needs to fix with HyperOS.

We’ve already commented on the MIUI-inspired look of iOS, but it bears repeating. This look is good for the audience in its core market of China, but we really want Xiaomi to offer a more original and prominent design for the global audience. Leaked screenshots suggest that won’t be the case, but we can still hold out hope (if not for the first version of HyperOS, then for its sequel).

HyperOS should also offer more universal features and fewer system ads. Xiaomi has done a good job of reducing ads over the years, but there is still room for less or no system ads. After all, do we really need an interstitial screen with ads after installing an app? No. No no.

Xiaomi recently increased its update commitment for its flagship phones, as the Xiaomi 13T series now offers four major OS updates and five years of security patches. This is in line with the update policies of companies like Samsung and OPPO. However, there is still one way that Xiaomi can improve its update situation, and that is the speed of delivery.

We really want Xiaomi and its sub-brands to offer much faster system updates worldwide with the advent of HyperOS. Extensive system customizations mean these updates take a bit longer to roll out, but if Samsung can do it for One UI, so can Xiaomi. Both of them have enough manpower to make it happen.

Xiaomi does a great job by providing users with the ability to delete pre-installed apps. But you know what’s even better than removing bloatware? Not having it in the first place.

Just offer less bloatware on HyperOS, please. We don’t really need a lot of pre-installed apps that copy Google services, and we don’t need a lot of third-party bloatware that comes regionally.

Chinese brands started the trend of battery optimization settings years ago and now it is adopted by all Android phone manufacturers. Having said that, some brands are very aggressive about battery optimization, breaking critical app functions and notifications in the process. The last thing you want is to lose your alarm because your Android phone has killed the alarm app.

Xiaomi has relaxed this strict approach in recent years, resulting in companies like Samsung being named the worst offenders by one website. However, we still notice excessive app deletion in some cases on our Xiaomi phones, so we think there’s room for HyperOS to offer a more relaxed approach to battery optimization.

Xiaomis MIUI isn’t exactly iOS when it comes to privacy. Aside from the User Agreement and Privacy Policy (or two of each if you’re using a POCO device), there are many optional policies. From personalized ads and user experience programs to troubleshooting and individual agreements for pre-installed apps, Xiaomi isn’t shy about stuffing its phones with policies.

It’s bad enough that first-time users may feel intimidated by the amount of agreements they have to sign to use anything. Why is there a phone cleaner app that requires you to sign a privacy agreement? Or a theme app?

It is time for Xiaomi to consolidate these policies and agreements with the aim of making things easier and clearer for consumers. Better yet, we’d like to see a concerted effort to improve worldwide privacy for global users and stop data collection in random places across HyperOS.