Xiaomi is gearing up for the global launch of its next flagship camera phone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and the rollout is starting to look more interesting than initially expected. Up to now, many assumed the 17 Ultra would simply arrive alongside the standard Xiaomi 17. Xiaomi has since confirmed that a “Leica Edition” model is set for a global debut on February 28, although it will be introduced internationally under a different name.
While global fans wait, Xiaomi is also giving buyers in China something extra. A new February 2026 software update for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra focuses heavily on camera improvements, going beyond the usual security patch routine. The update, labeled HyperOS 3.0.15.0.WPACNXM, brings multiple optimizations and features designed to enhance everyday shooting and video recording.
The biggest highlight is Leica Instant Mode with 1x Tap Zoom, a feature that had previously been exclusive to the Leica Edition. By bringing it to the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra via an update, Xiaomi is effectively widening access to one of its more premium camera tools—potentially making the non-Leica version more appealing to photography-focused users.
Xiaomi also fine-tunes its dual-view mode for smoother results, adds a standard watermark option for shots captured in the 200MP mode, and improves dynamic range when recording with Dolby Vision enabled. Together, these changes suggest Xiaomi is leaning hard into camera software as a key differentiator, not just raw sensor hardware.
What remains unclear is whether all of these camera enhancements will be available on the global Xiaomi 17 Ultra at launch, or if some of them will remain region-specific for now. Either way, with the February 28 global debut of the Leica-branded variant (under a new international name) and a camera-packed HyperOS update already landing in China, Xiaomi is clearly positioning the Xiaomi 17 Ultra lineup to compete aggressively in the premium smartphone camera race, including against upcoming ultra-flagship rivals.
