Xiaomi and Leica deepen camera ties ahead of 17 Ultra launch

Xiaomi is preparing to launch its 17 Ultra flagship phone next week and is using the moment to reset its partnership with Leica. The two companies say they are moving from a joint research and development setup to a broader “co-creation” model.

In practice, that means Leica will stay involved in both the hardware and software sides of Xiaomi’s high-end cameras, starting with the 17 Ultra and future models. Xiaomi is positioning the 17 Ultra as its main camera-focused flagship, with Leica more tightly woven into how those cameras are designed and tuned.