The tech world is buzzing with the possibility of a new player entering the network-attached storage (NAS) arena. According to consistent leaks from a prominent source, Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics giant known for its smartphones and smart home ecosystem, is developing its own NAS device. If the rumors hold true, this could be a significant move, potentially bringing user-friendly and affordable network storage to a broader audience.
For months, the well-known Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu has been dropping hints about this project. Now, the latest reports suggest the device is nearing its official release, with a launch timeline that places it alongside one of Xiaomi's most anticipated smartphones.
A Potential December 2025 Launch Window
The most concrete piece of information from the recent leak is a potential launch schedule. Smart Pikachu indicates that the release of the Xiaomi NAS will align with that of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the brand's upcoming camera-centric flagship phone.
This is a significant clue. Recent independent reports have suggested that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is scheduled for a launch in China in December 2025. If this timeline is accurate, we could see Xiaomi unveiling its first-ever NAS device just in time for the end of 2025, positioning it as a potential high-tech gift for the holiday season.
The tipster shared this key update in a detailed post on Weibo, which you can see for yourself below. The post has sparked significant discussion among storage enthusiasts and Xiaomi fans alike.
Smart Pikachu shared this launch timeline and early OS details in a recent Weibo post.
What We Know About the Hardware (And What We Don't)
Beyond the launch window, Smart Pikachu has shed some light on the hardware specifications, though several key details remain a mystery.
- Drive Support: The NAS will reportedly support both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives. This is standard for the category, offering users flexibility in their choice of hard drives or solid-state drives for their storage needs. For context, a popular drive like the 4 TB Seagate IronWolf (currently $99.99 on Amazon) would be a compatible option for a 3.5-inch bay.
- The Bay Question: One of the biggest unanswered questions is the number of bays. Will it be a compact two-bay system for home users, or a more robust four-bay unit aimed at prosumers? The leak provides no clarity on this crucial aspect, which will heavily influence the device's target market and price point.
- M.2 NVMe Support: Another unknown is support for M.2 drives. Many modern NAS systems offer M.2 slots for caching or high-speed storage pools, providing a significant performance boost. It's currently unclear if Xiaomi will include this feature, which could be a differentiator against entry-level competitors.
Software and Design: Focus on Compatibility and Simplicity
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the leak concerns the software. A NAS is only as good as its operating system, and Xiaomi seems to be focusing heavily on accessibility and cross-platform compatibility.
Smart Pikachu reports that the Xiaomi NAS will run on an operating system designed for ease of use. More importantly, it is expected to offer broad board compatibility, meaning it will work seamlessly with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This universal approach is essential for a device meant to be the central storage hub for every device in a modern household.
A leaked spec sheet that has surfaced online also gives us a glimpse of the physical design. The device is expected to be relatively compact, which aligns with a potential two-bay design. As for ports, it may not be the most port-rich device on the market. The leak hints at a minimalist selection including:
- One HDMI port (potentially for direct media playback)
- One USB 3.0 port (for external drives or peripherals)
- One 2.5G Ethernet port (for fast network transfers, a welcome modern touch)
The Bottom Line
While Xiaomi has not officially confirmed any of these details, the consistent reporting from a reliable tipster makes a strong case for the product's existence. A Xiaomi NAS, launching in late 2025 with a focus on user-friendly software and broad compatibility, could shake up the consumer NAS market.
It promises to lower the barrier to entry for users intimidated by the complexity of traditional NAS systems. As we await an official announcement, all eyes will be on Smart Pikachu and other leakers for more concrete details, especially regarding the number of drive bays and the final price point.
What do you think? Would a Xiaomi NAS tempt you to create your own personal cloud at home? Let us know in the comments below.
Post a Comment