Clip-On Earbuds Debut as an Open-Ear AirPods Alternative
Xiaomi is entering the open-ear audio space with its first clip-on wireless earbuds, launching alongside the Xiaomi 17 Max smartphone and the Smart Band 10 Pro on May 21. Unlike traditional in-ear buds, these clip-on earbuds use an open-ear, wraparound design that rests outside the ear canal. Each unit weighs about 5.5 grams and is built around a flexible memory titanium structure that clips gently around the ear, aiming to reduce pressure during long listening sessions. Xiaomi positions this form factor as a comfortable option for workouts, commuting, and office use, where users want to remain aware of their surroundings. The company previewed multiple colorways, including Pearl White, Satin Gold, Basalt Black with a seamless matte finish, and an additional undisclosed variant. This move signals that Xiaomi is not just creating another pair of wireless earbuds, but a visually distinctive AirPods alternative that leans into the fast-growing open-ear category.
Deep Apple Ecosystem Support Challenges AirPods’ Core Advantage
A standout aspect of Xiaomi’s clip-on earbuds is how aggressively they embrace Apple ecosystem support. Xiaomi confirms that the earbuds will integrate with Apple’s Find My network, enabling users to locate the charging case through Apple devices in a way that mirrors AirPods and other certified accessories. The earphones also support smart dual-device connectivity across both Android and iOS, targeting users who juggle multiple platforms but still want seamless pairing and switching. This cross-platform strategy directly addresses one of AirPods’ key selling points: tight integration with Apple hardware. For users who rely on ecosystem features but hesitate to buy AirPods, Xiaomi’s approach offers a compelling alternative. By combining open-ear comfort with Apple-friendly features instead of restricting advanced capabilities to its own phones, Xiaomi is positioning these clip-on earbuds as a flexible, ecosystem-agnostic choice in the wireless earbuds market.
Audio Hardware, Privacy Features and Smart Utilities
Beyond form factor and ecosystem integration, Xiaomi is emphasizing audio quality and privacy. The clip-on earbuds feature a large driver with a microcrystalline metal-coated diaphragm, LHDC 5.0 transmission, and Hi-Res audio certification, aiming to deliver flagship-level sound in an open-ear shell. A triple-microphone array works with a VPU sensor and call noise reduction algorithms for clearer voice pickup. To counter the sound leakage common to open designs, Xiaomi includes reverse sound wave technology, which helps keep audio more private in public spaces. On the intelligence side, the earbuds support Xiao Ai voice assistance for conversational interaction, smart translation across 21 languages, and independent recording with one-tap summarisation. These utilities broaden the earbuds’ use beyond music and calls, turning them into a multifunction wearable for travellers, professionals, and students who need quick translations, notes, and hands-free control throughout the day.
Smart Band 10 Pro Brings Apple Health Sync and Multi-Functional NFC
Launched alongside the clip-on earbuds, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro is a fitness tracker that doubles down on cross-platform integration. The band features upgraded wrist control that links with Xiaomi Auto for intelligent car control and fatigue-driving alerts, and connects with Mi Home to automate interactions with Mijia smart devices. It supports multi-functional NFC, enabling scenario-based switching with a simple wrist raise and adding Apple’s Tap to Pay features for convenient payments. Crucially, the Smart Band 10 Pro works closely with the Apple ecosystem: it offers dual-device notifications for calls and messages, quick command support such as enabling Do Not Disturb via an iPhone, and remote control of an iPhone’s camera, music, and Find My functions. Sports and health metrics—including activity logs, sleep data, and heart rate—are synchronised with the Apple Health app, ensuring users can keep a unified fitness record across devices without being locked into one platform.
Design, Health Tracking and Market Positioning
The Smart Band 10 Pro complements the clip-on earbuds with a slim and lightweight design, measuring 9.7mm thick and weighing 21.6 grams. It uses an aluminium alloy body with a gently curved 1.74-inch AMOLED display, and offers multiple colour options such as black, silver, pink, white, orange, and a white ceramic edition. Battery capacity is rated at 380mAh, with claims of up to 25 days of use in some markets. On the health front, the band introduces a new dual-light group with dual-PD sensors that Xiaomi says boost heart-rate accuracy to 98.2%. An upgraded sleep algorithm improves detection of sleep onset and wake-up times, while a new HRV index tracks fatigue. With 150+ sports modes, multi-dimensional monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress, plus a professional cycling mode, the Smart Band 10 Pro reinforces Xiaomi’s broader wearables strategy—offering premium-feeling hardware and cross-platform compatibility as an appealing alternative to more locked-down ecosystems.