Xiaomi’s cool modular camera phone concept might launch for real

Xiaomi’s hugely appealing modular camera lens concept is set to enter mass production, according to reports.

Back at MWC 2025 almost a year ago, one of the most interesting concept devices on display was the Xiaomi Modular Optical System. This discrete camera lens and sensor combo used magnets to seamlessly snap onto the back of a Xiaomi phone.

It looks like a prime lens you would attach to a DSLR, only with a sensor built in as well. While Xiaomi even had the concept working at the mobile show last year, there was no word on whether it would actually become a product people could buy.

Now, high-profile leaker Digital Chat Station has issued a post on Weibo claiming that mass production of the accessory has begun. They expect the component to be available to buy sometime this year.

It’s impressive, with a Fusion X Sensor, an all-6G spherical lens assembly, and a variable aperture which ranges from f/1.4 to f/11.

This is essentially a full Micro Four Thirds camera, which means the sensor is way bigger than even the largest (around 1-inch) smartphone equivalents. It then uses the phone for its viewfinder, shooting controls, image processing, and storage.

Xiaomi has employed near-infrared technology to transmit the raw image data across to the phone at speeds of up to 10Gbps.

There’s still a lot that we don’t know about this luxury accessory. For example, we don’t know which phones will be compatible.

The concept product required a special Qi2-style mounting ring on the phone (it was on the regular Xiaomi 15 for the demo), so it doesn’t seem likely (together with the likely timing later in the year) that the Xiaomi 17 series will be involved, although a special version maybe.

We also have no indication of whether the Xiaomi Module Optical System will make its way outside of China. It will likely launch there first, even if it does get a global release later.

Finally, there’s that all-important matter of pricing. Presumably, this high-end camera component won’t come cheap. Given that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is our pick for the best camera phone, though, it could be worth it.