HyperOS 3.1: all the new features, changes, and compatible phones

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone, you've probably already heard about HyperOS 3.1 , the latest major update to Xiaomi's operating system, based on Android 16. It's not just another patch: it brings significant changes to performance, system behavior, app switching, and, above all, how your phone integrates with Apple devices.

Although the rollout began in China, the global version of HyperOS 3.1 is already underway , and Xiaomi has confirmed both the schedule for several models and the list of devices that will be able to update. However, there's a catch: only phones that receive Android 16 will be upgraded to HyperOS 3.1, so not all users are invited.

What is HyperOS 3.1 and how does it differ from HyperOS 3?

HyperOS 3.1 is the direct evolution of HyperOS 3 , a "decimal" update that, on paper, might seem minor but in practice comes packed with features. It not only fixes bugs and refines the user experience, but also introduces changes to multitasking, the way the system updates, and integration with external accessories.

This version is based on Android 16 , meaning that any models remaining on Android 15 will not be upgraded to 3.1. Xiaomi has decided to synchronize with Android versions , so HyperOS 3 will be the maximum version for many devices not on the compatibility list.

The company has been working on this iteration for months. It first arrived in the form of internal builds and closed betas in China , then moved to the global testing phase on some specific models, and finally, has begun the stable rollout on the first devices in its catalog.

In short, HyperOS 3.1 doesn't completely overhaul the system, but it focuses on three key pillars: fluidity, advanced connectivity, and a more polished interface . And in each of these areas, there are interesting details worth exploring.

New multitasking and a new way to move between applications

One of the most interesting new features, and one that's most noticeable in daily use, has to do with multitasking and the recent apps menu . If you tend to have a lot of apps open (something quite common and which, by the way, can affect battery life), you'll already know that HyperOS displays a recent apps viewer when you press the dedicated button or swipe up from the bottom, depending on your preferred navigation method.

Until now, the "Recent Apps" menu basically offered two ways to view open apps: vertically or horizontally , with a grid layout of two columns and multiple thumbnails depending on the screen size. It was a functional system, but not particularly convenient for those who constantly switch between apps.

With HyperOS 3.1, Xiaomi adds a third navigation option: Stack mode . Instead of seeing all the apps arranged flat, you can move through them as if they were overlapping cards or photos in a carousel, swiping to switch between them.

This new stacked view makes switching between apps feel more natural, almost like flipping pages forward or backward . It's a different approach to multitasking, quite reminiscent of what other systems like iOS offer, aiming to make switching between open applications more direct and less visually chaotic.

In addition to this stacking mode, multitasking in general has been redesigned to be cleaner and more consistent with the rest of the interface . Xiaomi has tweaked animations, transitions, and the way app thumbnails are displayed, aiming for a smoother and more cohesive experience.

Advanced integration with AirPods and Apple devices

If you use Apple products and a Xiaomi phone simultaneously, here's the part that will interest you most: HyperOS 3.1 radically improves compatibility with the Apple ecosystem . The brand has worked to make its phones work better with AirPods, iPhones, Macs, and iPads.

In the case of AirPods, the experience takes a significant leap forward. With HyperOS 3.1, Xiaomi devices can manage Apple's earbuds almost like an iPhone , and everything is integrated directly into the system, without relying on third-party apps. Some of the most notable features are:

• Native pop-up windowWhen you open the AirPods case near your phone, an animated popup appears showing the charging status of the headphones and the case.
• Controls from the control centerIt is possible to change the noise cancellation mode, control audio, and prioritize devices directly from the HyperOS quick settings.
• Integrated spatial audioAirPods Pro and AirPods Max can take advantage of spatial audio natively, without complicated setups.
• Search and locationThe headphones integrate with Xiaomi's network of devices to help find them if they are lost.

But it doesn't stop at the headphones. HyperOS 3.1 also brings improvements to interoperability with iPhone, Mac, and iPad . Among the features that have been leaked and confirmed are:

• Share files more easily between Xiaomi mobile and Apple devices, reducing friction and intermediate steps.
• Ability to receive a call on the Xiaomi and answer it from the computer, an integration that until now was very closely associated with the Apple ecosystem exclusively.

All this effort is part of Xiaomi's commitment to near-universal connectivity with third-party accessories and devices , something other Chinese manufacturers are also embracing. In other words, it will become increasingly common to see AirPods working almost entirely on Android.

Visual changes, HyperIsland, and system app redesign

Beyond its flagship features, HyperOS 3.1 comes with a package of visual changes and interface tweaks that become noticeable after using the phone for a while. It's not a complete redesign, but rather a set of adjustments designed to make everything look smoother and more cohesive.

In terms of animations, Xiaomi has refined the transitions when opening and closing apps, navigation gestures, and scrolling effects . The goal is to convey greater stability, make the system feel less jerky, and reduce lag, even on non-high-end devices.

The lock screen takes center stage with new customization options . It's now easier to adjust styles, elements, and visual details to suit each user's taste, following the trend we've seen in HyperOS but with even more possibilities.

There are also updates to HyperIsland, Xiaomi's "dynamic island" feature. Version 3.1 makes it more interactive and capable of displaying contextual information in a more useful way, with changes to how notifications, playback status, and other floating alerts appear.

On the other hand, Xiaomi has taken the opportunity to completely rebuild some system apps , such as Gallery and Weather, using the Rust programming language. This change is not only about aesthetics, but also about performance and security, since Rust helps prevent certain types of errors and improves resource usage.

Along with this come small corrections to the status bar and notifications , such as the solution to problems where the network icon appeared incorrectly in certain circumstances or certain frame flickering when displaying connectivity information.

Performance, battery life, and internal system optimization

Beneath the surface, HyperOS 3.1 brings a substantial package of internal improvements that impact the phone's overall performance . Xiaomi mentions significant optimization of the system core , which should be noticeable in daily use even without actively searching for specific changes.

Part of this work involves better managing background processes and resource consumption . In theory, this should translate into greater stability, fewer unexpected app crashes, and better RAM management when switching between multiple apps.

The company also claims to have reduced frame flicker and minor performance drops , improving smoothness when scrolling through lists, menus, and home screens. This is especially important on phones with high refresh rate displays, where any stuttering is very noticeable.

In the battery section, the update notes mention optimized power consumption , although it's difficult to know the actual improvement in practice until it's thoroughly tested on each model. In any case, if the system closes unnecessary processes more effectively and manages RAM better, it's reasonable to expect at least a slight improvement in battery life.

Specific bugs detected during the beta phase have also been addressed , such as problems sharing files, occasional errors with SIM card detection, and issues uploading content from third-party apps. A particularly annoying bug related to duplicate apps, which caused unusual behavior on some models, has even been fixed.

Super OTA: faster updates with fewer restarts

One of the less flashy but more practical features of HyperOS 3.1 is the introduction of "Super OTAs ." This is a new update system designed to make the process of installing new system versions much faster.

With Super OTA, the phone can apply many parts of the update in the background , so the user experiences fewer interruptions. The restart time after installing a new version is reduced, and in some cases, the version upgrade feels almost instantaneous.

This approach aligns with the trend among other manufacturers and Google itself, which have been pushing for years towards modular and less intrusive updates . For the average user, the benefit is clear: less time staring at an "installing" screen and more time using the device.

Combined with performance improvements and bug fixes, Super OTA makes HyperOS 3.1 a pretty well-rounded update in terms of system maintenance , something that often goes unnoticed compared to the more flashy features.

First phones to receive stable HyperOS 3.1

As is typical for Xiaomi, the HyperOS 3.1 rollout has begun with the latest models and in the Chinese market . From there, the update will be released to more devices and regions in several waves.

Among the first to release the stable version are these models, with their corresponding internal builds:

• Xiaomi 17 — version 3.0.301.0.WPCCNXM
• Xiaomi 17 Pro — version 3.0.301.0.WBLCNXM
• Xiaomi 17 Pro Max — version 3.0.301.0.WPBCNXM
• Redmi K90 Pro Max — version 3.0.301.0.WPMCNXM

Furthermore, some models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in its Indian version have already started receiving specific HyperOS 3.1 features, such as the new stacked multitasking mode, even before the global rollout is complete.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi has launched the global beta of HyperOS 3.1 for the Xiaomi Mi 17 and Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra , allowing advanced users to test it and report any issues. The duration of this testing phase is unclear, so there is no exact date for the official release in all markets.

Official update and wave schedule

The company has released a phased rollout schedule for devices sold in China, which serves as a reference for what we will see later in the global market. This schedule is divided into several waves:

First wave (already underway)

• Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, Xiaomi 17 Pro, Xiaomi 17
• Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro, Xiaomi Pad 8
• Redmi K90 Pro Max, Redmi K90

Second wave (starting March 31)

• Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Pro, Xiaomi 15
• xiaomi 15s pro
• Xiaomi MIX Flip 2
• Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, Xiaomi Pad 7
• Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5
• Redmi K80 Pro, Redmi K80 Ultra, Redmi K80 (Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro)
• Redmi Turbo 5 Max, Redmi Turbo 5
• Redmi K Pad

Third wave (starting April 15)

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Edition, Xiaomi 14
• Xiaomi MIX Fold 4"
• Xiaomi MIX Flip
• Redmi K70 Pro, Redmi K70 Ultra, Redmi K70, Redmi K70E (Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro)
• Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, Redmi Turbo 4
• Redmi Note 15 Pro+, Redmi Note 15 Pro, Redmi Note 15
• Redmi Pad 2 Pro

Latest wave (starting April 23)

• Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13
• Xiaomi MIX Fold 3"
• Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro
• Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
• Redmi K60 Pro, Redmi K60 Ultra (Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro)
• Redmi Turbo 3
• Redmi Notes 15R
• Redmi Note 14 Pro+, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Redmi Note 14 5G
• Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi Note 13R
• Redmi 15R 5G
• Redmi 14R 5G
• Redmi 14C
• redmi pad 2
• Redmi Pad Pro 5G
• Redmi Pad Pro

Although these dates refer to the Chinese market, Xiaomi has already hinted that the global rollout will begin a few weeks later . As always, updates will arrive gradually, so two users with the same model could receive HyperOS 3.1 on different days.

Official list of mobile phones that will be updated to HyperOS 3.1 Global

Beyond the release schedule, Xiaomi has published an official list of devices slated to receive HyperOS 3.1 Global . This list may expand over time, but it already serves as a clear reference for which models are included:

• Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition
• Xiaomi 17Ultra
• Xiaomi 17
• Xiaomi 15Ultra
• Xiaomi 15 Pro
• Xiaomi 15
• xiaomi 15s pro
• Xiaomi MIX Flip 2
• Xiaomi 14Ultra
• Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition
• Xiaomi 14 Pro
• Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Edition
• Xiaomi 14
• Xiaomi MIX Fold 4"
• Xiaomi MIX Flip
• Redmi Note 15 Pro +
• Notes redmi 15 Pro
• Redmi Note 15
• Redmi Pad 2 Pro
• Xiaomi 13Ultra
• Xiaomi 13 Pro
• Xiaomi 13
• Xiaomi MIX Fold 3"
• Redmi Notes 15R
• Redmi Note 14 Pro +
• Notes redmi 14 Pro
• Redmi Note 14 5G
• Redmi Note 13 Pro +
• Notes redmi 13 Pro
• Redmi Notes 13R
• Redmi 15R 5G
• Redmi 14R 5G
• Redmi 14C

It's important to keep in mind that the key is Android 16 : all these devices are scheduled to receive the new version of Google's operating system, and with it will come HyperOS 3.1. Models that remain stuck on Android 15, however, will stay on HyperOS 3 with security patches but without major interface upgrades.

Phones that will not be updated to HyperOS 3.1

Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are getting the update. The brand has confirmed that at least 22 devices will not receive HyperOS 3.1 because its support for major Android versions ends at Android 15.

These models will continue on HyperOS 3 as the maximum version of the layer, with security updates and possible minor fixes, but without access to the new features or advanced integration that comes with 3.1.

For international versions, this means that while your phone may still receive patches, you won't see the new stacked multitasking system, native AirPods support, or Super OTA improvements . This is a significant limitation to consider if you're planning to upgrade your device in the near future.

How to know if your mobile phone will receive HyperOS 3.1

Xiaomi's catalog is so extensive that it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly where your model fits in. To clear up any doubts, there are several ways to check if your phone is eligible for HyperOS 3.1.

The most direct way is to use community tools like MemeOS Enhancer or HyperOS Updater . These apps cross-reference your device information with Xiaomi's official databases and roadmaps and show you:

1. The current version of HyperOS that you have installed.
2. If your phone is scheduled to receive Android 16 according to the known plan.
3. And, by extension, whether it is compatible with HyperOS 3.1 or it will remain on HyperOS 3.

In addition to these tools, you can always go to the system menu and check for updates. On Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones, simply go to Settings > My device and tap the HyperOS logo to have the phone search for available versions.

How to install HyperOS 3.1 on compatible devices

If your phone is on the list of models that will receive the update, the process for installing HyperOS 3.1 is the usual one: it will arrive via OTA when Xiaomi releases it for your region . You don't need to do anything special.

By default, phones from this brand are configured to automatically download and install updates (usually via Wi-Fi) when certain battery and usage conditions are met. However, if you're in a hurry, you can always force a manual search.

• Coming into Settings.
• Accessing the section My device.
• Tapping on the logo of HyperOS to check if a new version is available.

When HyperOS 3.1 is ready for your phone and region, the system will prompt you to download and install the update . Thanks to Super OTA, much of the process will happen in the background, and the reboot time will be shorter than usual.

If you're on a beta program (for example, with the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra Global), you might receive test builds with some experimental features earlier. In that case, keep in mind that bugs or unusual behavior may appear until the stable version is released.

With everything it offers, HyperOS 3.1 stands out as one of those updates that's truly worthwhile: it improves fluidity, refines the interface, introduces more convenient multitasking, adds powerful integration with AirPods and Apple devices, and debuts a Super OTA system that makes updating much smoother. However, only those with a phone ready for Android 16 will be able to enjoy this upgrade, so it's a good idea to check if your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO is on the official support lists before expecting features that might not arrive.