Xiaomi’s Bold Step Perplexes: Preloading Cryptocurrency Apps in a New Global Strategy

Xiaomi, currently the world’s third-largest smartphone brand, quietly inked a deal to preload new apps, including potentially redundant software, on its phones. Starting in 2026, the company will roll out new smartphones pre-installed with a cryptocurrency wallet and a crypto-seeking app, developed by Sei Labs. This move is part of a global partnership aimed at popularizing blockchain technology among a broader audience.

The app is tied to Sei, a first-layer blockchain designed specifically for trading digital assets. It will be pre-installed on all new Xiaomi phones sold outside mainland China and the United States.

Currently, Xiaomi holds more than 13% of the global market, translating to approximately 160 million devices. This positions them right behind Apple and Samsung. The Sei app functions as a cryptocurrency wallet and a gateway to Web3 services. According to Sei representatives, users will be able to send payments between individuals, interact with decentralized applications, and explore other blockchain-based products without downloading additional files. This seamless integration is a significant technological advancement aiming to capture tech-savvy users, particularly in regions with burgeoning digital asset interests.

Beyond smartphones, Sei plans to extend this partnership. As Sei heads state, the company’s vision includes implementing stablecoin payments across over 20,000 Xiaomi retail stores, starting with Hong Kong and several European Union countries. Eventually, customers will be able to purchase Xiaomi products using stablecoins like USDC, with transactions settled on the Sei blockchain. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the smartphone industry towards incorporating blockchain services, addressing the shifting landscape in digital finance and the consumer-tech interface.