CXMT starts LPDDR6 mass production for Xiaomi's upcoming foldable
Chinese memory manufacturer CXMT has officially confirmed the start of mass production for LPDDR6 DRAM, marking a significant step forward in mobile memory technology. The new generation of low-power double data rate memory is set to power Xiaomi's upcoming flagship foldable smartphone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which is scheduled to launch in September.
What changed and why it matters
CXMT announced via its official Weibo account that LPDDR6 mass production has begun. This follows earlier reports suggesting the company's implementation was nearing qualification completion. The new memory standard succeeds LPDDR5 and LPDDR5X, offering substantial improvements in data transfer rates and power efficiency for next-generation mobile devices.
Technical specifications and performance
The JEDEC JESD209-6 specification, published in July 2025, defines the new standard with data rates ranging from 10.667 to 14.4 Gbps per pin. CXMT's specific implementation has been reported to reach speeds of up to 12.8 Gbps. Beyond raw speed, the specification introduces two 12-bit sub-channels per die, alongside new power management and reliability features designed to handle the demands of high-resolution foldable displays.
Market context and competitors
CXMT is not the sole manufacturer preparing for this transition. SK hynix previously announced its 16Gb LPDDR6 memory in March, based on a sixth-generation 10nm-class 1c process. The company planned to complete preparations for mass production in the first half of 2026 and begin customer shipments in the second half of that year. This places CXMT ahead of the curve, securing a confirmed commercial product launch only about a year after starting mass production of LPDDR5-generation products.
Commercial availability
Xiaomi has separately confirmed that the new memory will be used in its next flagship foldable smartphone. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is currently one of the first confirmed commercial products to utilize LPDDR6, with a release date set for September. This rapid adoption highlights the immediate demand for higher bandwidth and efficiency in modern mobile devices.
What remains unknown
While mass production has started, specific pricing details for LPDDR6 modules are not yet available. Additionally, while SK hynix plans to ship in late 2026, it is unclear if other manufacturers will follow CXMT's timeline or if the technology will see wider adoption in non-flagship devices sooner than expected.