Xiaomi Enters Open-Ear Audio With Its First Clip-On Earbuds
Xiaomi is stepping into the open-ear audio segment with its first clip-on earbuds, launching alongside the new Smart Band 10 Pro. Unlike traditional in-ear buds, these Xiaomi earphones use a clip-on design that wraps around the ear, aiming for long-wear comfort and better awareness of surroundings. Each bud weighs about 5.5 grams and uses a bionic curve with a memory titanium wire structure to maintain a gentle but secure fit. The company is positioning the product directly against AirPods and other open-ear alternatives as more users look for lightweight options for commuting, workouts, and office use. Color options teased so far include Pearl White, Satin Gold, and Basalt Black with a seamless matte finish, plus an additional variant shown in early livestreams. The earbuds will be unveiled during Xiaomi’s launch event, where they will share the stage with the Xiaomi 17 Max and the Smart Band 10 Pro.
Apple Ecosystem Support Brings AirPods-Style Features to Xiaomi Earphones
The standout move is Xiaomi’s decision to give its clip-on earbuds Apple ecosystem support normally associated with AirPods. The earphones are confirmed to work with Apple’s Find My network, letting users locate the charging case through Apple devices even over long distances. Xiaomi is also enabling smart dual-device connectivity across Android and iOS, which will appeal to people who switch between phones, tablets, and laptops from different brands. Paired with the Smart Band 10 Pro, Apple users can mirror notifications from services like SMS and WeChat and sync activity, sleep, and heart-rate data directly to the Apple Health app. The band doubles as a remote control for an iPhone, allowing users to trigger the camera shutter, control music, and find their phone. This cross-platform push signals Xiaomi’s intent to compete head-on with AirPods by offering comparable ecosystem benefits without locking users into a single platform.
Audio Hardware and Privacy Features for Open-Ear Listening
Beyond ecosystem integration, Xiaomi is equipping its clip-on earbuds with hardware aimed at audiophiles and heavy callers. Each bud houses an 11mm driver with a microcrystalline metal-coated diaphragm, backed by LHDC 5.0 transmission and Hi-Res Audio certification for higher-fidelity streaming on compatible devices. A three-microphone array works with a VPU sensor and AI noise reduction algorithms to enhance call clarity in noisy environments. Because open-ear audio designs typically leak more sound than in-ear models, Xiaomi has added reverse sound wave technology to reduce audio leakage and improve privacy, an emerging focus in the category. The company also highlights AI-driven features such as Xiao Ai voice companionship, real-time translation across 21 languages, and one-click independent recording that can generate smart summaries. Together, these tools position the earbuds as both a daily communication accessory and a productivity aid, not just another pair of sports-focused clip-on earbuds.
Smart Band 10 Pro Adds NFC, Apple Integration, and Auto Control
Launched alongside the Xiaomi earphones, the Smart Band 10 Pro strengthens the ecosystem play with multi-functional NFC and smart-device control. The upgraded Wrist Control feature lets users link the band with Xiaomi Auto for functions like intelligent vehicle control, fatigue driving reminders, and route prevention alerts. Integration with Mi Home enables automated scenes where the band can trigger or respond to Mijia smart devices. NFC support allows quick switching between scenarios with a simple wrist raise, and Xiaomi says Apple’s Tap to Pay functionality has been added as well. On the health side, the band uses dual-light, dual-PD sensors to reach up to 98.2% heart-rate accuracy, adds an improved sleep algorithm with HRV-based fatigue monitoring, and supports more than 150 sports modes. It also offers dual-device notifications and tight Apple Health sync, creating a bridge between Xiaomi wearables and iPhone-centric lifestyles.
A Direct Challenge to AirPods in the Open-Ear Segment
Taken together, Xiaomi’s first clip-on earbuds and the Smart Band 10 Pro form a coordinated challenge to Apple’s dominance in personal audio and wearables. By combining open-ear audio, Find My integration, Apple Health synchronisation, and multi-device connectivity, Xiaomi is courting users who like Apple’s ecosystem but want broader hardware choice. The multi-functional NFC features and smart home and vehicle controls further differentiate Xiaomi’s offering beyond what AirPods and a standard fitness band typically provide. With multiple color options, lightweight construction, and audio hardware aligned with the growing open-ear audio trend, Xiaomi is clearly targeting active users who value comfort and situational awareness. The launch signals a broader strategic shift: rather than just mirroring Apple’s design, Xiaomi is aiming to coexist within the Apple ecosystem while leveraging its own strengths in smart home, automotive integration, and AI-assisted features.