Xiaomi recently expanded its gadget portfolio with the release of the Xiaomi Buds 6, a pair of wireless earbuds designed to appeal to both Android and iPhone users. While Xiaomi is widely known for its smartphones, the company is now focusing on making its hardware more accessible to people outside its own ecosystem. The standout feature of this new release is the official support for Apple’s Find My app, marking a shift in how the brand approaches cross-platform compatibility.
By integrating with Apple’s location services, Xiaomi is positioning the Buds 6 as a viable alternative for iPhone owners who may not want to spend on AirPods. The earbuds also feature a proprietary system called Xiaomi Find, which provides long-distance tracking and a nearby ringer to help locate missing pieces. This dual-network approach highlights the brand’s push to become a hardware choice for all mobile users, regardless of their operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Dual Tracking Support: The Buds 6 work with both Apple Find My and Xiaomi Find networks.
- High-End Audio: Features triple-magnetic gold-plated drivers tuned by Harman experts.
- AI Integration: Includes real-time translation, meeting summaries, and intelligent noise cancellation.
- Lightweight Design: Each earbud weighs 4.4 grams and uses a bionic curve for better comfort.
- Competitive Pricing: Launched at 699 RMB (approximately $100) in China.
Location Services and Technical Limits
The most significant update for the Buds 6 is the focus on finding lost gear. For the first time, iPhone users can add the Xiaomi charging case to their Find My app, allowing them to see the device on a map alongside their Apple products. Xiaomi Find offers even more detail, with the ability to locate a single lost earbud if it falls out.
There is a technical catch for those using the Apple ecosystem. While Xiaomi’s own system can track the individual buds, the Apple Find My integration is currently restricted to tracking the charging case only. Additionally, the earbuds can only link to one tracking network at a time. Users must choose between the Apple and Xiaomi systems during setup. Switching between them later requires a full factory reset of the earbuds, which might be a bit of a hassle for those who change phones frequently.
Audio Performance and AI Tools
Xiaomi did not stop at tracking; the Buds 6 are built for premium sound. The company partnered with Harman to tune the audio profile, using a triple-magnetic driver system with 24K gold plating. This setup allows for high-resolution audio with a transmission rate of up to 2.1Mbps, providing a clean listening experience that rivals more expensive competitors.
Beyond music, the earbuds use a three-microphone system to power several AI-driven features. They can record conversations and generate summarized notes of meetings, which is helpful for professionals. For travelers, the Buds 6 support real-time translation and simultaneous interpretation, helping users understand different languages on the fly.
Design and Availability
The design of the Buds 6 prioritizes long-term wear. The bionic curve shape is intended to sit naturally in the ear, and the lightweight 4.4-gram build reduces ear fatigue. The model comes in four colors: Nebula Purple, Pearl White, Titanium Gold, and Moon Shadow Black.
The Xiaomi Buds 6 officially went on sale on December 25, 2025. Priced at 699 RMB, they offer a strong mix of high-fidelity audio and smart features. By bridging the gap between Android and iOS with tracking support, Xiaomi is making a clear move to capture a larger share of the global earbud market.
Related FAQs
Q1: Do the Xiaomi Buds 6 support active noise cancellation?
A1: Yes, the earbuds feature a three-microphone system that supports adaptive noise cancellation and AI-driven wind noise suppression for clearer calls.
Q2: Can I track the individual earbuds using the Apple Find My app?
A2: No, the Apple Find My app is currently limited to tracking the charging case. To track individual earbuds, you must use the Xiaomi Find system on a compatible Xiaomi device.
Q3: What happens if I want to switch from an Android phone to an iPhone?
A3: To switch the tracking network from Xiaomi Find to Apple Find My, you will need to perform a full factory reset on the earbuds and go through the setup process again.
Q4: Are the Xiaomi Buds 6 waterproof?
A4: The earbuds have an IP54 rating, which means they are resistant to dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts but not for swimming.
Q5: Is the real-time translation feature available on all phones?
A5: The advanced AI features, including meeting summaries and real-time translation, generally work best when paired with compatible Xiaomi smartphones running the latest software.
