Xiaomi has confirmed that the rear display on its upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max will support Google Maps, Spotify and YouTube Music, letting users access navigation and music controls without switching on the main screens. The announcement comes ahead of the series’ global launch in Paris on November 17.
Support for familiar apps could answer a question about the design: will users have enough everyday reasons to use it?
Google Maps will show navigation information on the rear screen, allowing users to glance at directions while holding the phone with its main display facing away.
Spotify and YouTube Music will offer playback controls and album artwork. Users can manage music without turning the handset around or unlocking its primary display.
Xiaomi has also shown the rear display displaying notifications, incoming calls and weather information. Users can also take selfies with the rear cameras, using the display to frame self-portraits and group photographs.
Xiaomi also demonstrated Trip.com flight updates, showing departure times, terminals and check-in counter information at a glance.
The company is bringing its Back Display GenAI Apps feature to the global models. It is designed to let users create small applications for the secondary screen by describing what they want in text.
Demonstrations have included utilities and mini-games, although Xiaomi has not detailed supported languages or confirmed whether every example will be available at launch.
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The rear display first appeared on the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, which were sold in China but did not receive an official international release. The upcoming models will give the feature its first major test in global markets.
The move reflects Xiaomi’s effort to make the rear panel useful beyond notifications and camera previews. However, app support may vary, and not every application will offer rear-display functions. The experience will depend on how developers and services work with the feature.
Xiaomi is expected to share more details at its November 17 event in Paris. Pricing, regional availability and the complete list of supported features remain to be announced. Support for Google Maps, Spotify and YouTube Music gives the unusual display a clearer everyday purpose, but its long-term value will depend on how smoothly it works.