Xiaomi has officially launched the global beta program for HyperOS 4, taking the new generation of its operating system beyond the Chinese market. The company has opened registration for owners of seven smartphone models who will be the first to try the updated firmware. According to the publication, some devices are already receiving the test build, which is based on Android 17, making HyperOS 4 one of the first global releases tied to the latest Android foundation.
First Wave: Seven Models and a Staggered Schedule
The initial list of the global beta includes seven Xiaomi smartphones. The rollout schedule within this list is uneven: the first three devices are already eligible to receive the beta version of the Android 17 update, while the remaining four models will start receiving the HyperOS 4 test firmware on September 17, 2026. Xiaomi emphasizes that the published list is only a starting point and will be expanded as builds for other models become ready.
What's New in HyperOS 4
In addition to the move to a new Android version, the update brings a set of visual and functional changes. The key element is the refreshed Soft Light Glass visual style, complemented by expanded customization options for the home screen. Among the announced improvements are faster app loading and enhanced AI-based features, as well as a refined HDR processing algorithm in the camera that ensures quicker operation and improved sensitivity of the Camera app. The company also highlights optimized video playback and an overall increase in system smoothness.
How to Participate and the Main Risk
Owners of compatible devices can apply to join the beta testing through the official Xiaomi Community app. However, Xiaomi explicitly warns: after installing the HyperOS 4 beta over the air (OTA), it will be impossible to return to the previous stable system via a simple rollback. To revert, a full memory wipe and flashing of a clean ROM through the smartphone's bootloader will be required, which effectively means a risk of data loss in a worst-case scenario.
Contradictory Data
Publications on the topic show differences in scope and framing. A number of sources (including ixbt.com and unian.net) focus specifically on the status of HyperOS 4 as a global beta and on the list of devices receiving Android 17, while other materials (rozetked.me) consider a broader list of smartphones and tablets for the full HyperOS 4 rollout. Moreover, access to the Android 17 base in the first wave has been confirmed for only three of the seven models, not all of them at once. Thus, the discrepancies concern not the fact of the beta launch, but its scale and the exact schedule for individual devices, which should be taken into account when interpreting the news.
