Xiaomi’s upcoming XRING 03 chipset could make the Xiaomi 18 Fold one of the first smartphones to use next-generation LPDDR6 RAM.
Chinese memory maker CXMT is reportedly preparing to begin mass production of LPDDR6 chips next month, giving it an early lead over Samsung, SK hynix and Micron.
The development follows reports that Xiaomi has partnered with CXMT to bring LPDDR6 support to its XRING 03 platform.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Expected to Get LPDDR6 First
According to the latest information, Xiaomi could reserve CXMT’s first LPDDR6 memory for the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Fold.
The foldable is expected to compete with devices such as Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8.
However, production volumes are expected to remain relatively low.
One report estimates that XRING 03-powered devices may not exceed around 300,000 units in total shipments, suggesting that Xiaomi and CXMT may initially keep the LPDDR6 partnership limited.
This could make it easier for CXMT to supply enough memory despite the challenges involved in producing a new generation of DRAM.
CXMT Faces Production Challenges
CXMT may be ahead of larger memory companies in bringing LPDDR6 into production, but scaling output could be much more difficult.
The company faces U.S. trade restrictions that limit its access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
As a result, CXMT reportedly relies on older Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems and more complicated multi-patterning methods.
These techniques can increase manufacturing costs while reducing production yields.
That could make it difficult for CXMT to produce LPDDR6 memory in the same volumes as Samsung, SK hynix or Micron.
XRING 03 Could Help Xiaomi Stand Out
The XRING 03 is expected to use TSMC’s 3nm N3P process, meaning Xiaomi should have fewer problems securing enough processor production capacity.
Memory supply may therefore become the bigger challenge.
Xiaomi could technically use LPDDR5X instead, but the company may want LPDDR6 to help differentiate the Xiaomi 18 Fold, especially if the device launches at a premium price.
CXMT’s early move into LPDDR6 could also help it secure additional customers in China, including Huawei.
However, the larger test will be whether the company can increase production while maintaining acceptable yields.
Samsung, SK hynix and Micron may still catch up quickly once they begin large-scale LPDDR6 manufacturing.
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