Xiaomi is all set to launch the Xiaomi Mi 5X smartphone at an event on Wednesday, July 26, and it will be the first smartphone to run on MIUI 9 out of the box. MIUI 9 will be launched alongside, and the MIUI 9 is set to release to select compatible devices as well before August 16, and now Xiaomi has outlined all things new coming with the update. This includes new themes, new design elements and shortcuts on lock screen, split screen feature, and much more.

The MIUI 9 beta update will be rolled out first to Xiaomi Mi 6, Redmi Note 4, and Redmi Note 4X users. The second batch will be rolled out to Xiaomi Mi 2 and Xiaomi Mi 2S users. The MIUI 9 update will be pushed in stages so don’t expect it to arrive on your compatible device immediately itself. Xiaomi claims that all beta testers will be given priority, so if you want to go ahead in line, we recommend you to apply as a beta tester immediately. All compatible devices to get the MIUI 9 update eventually are listed here.

New features in MIUI 9 include three new themes along with a new default theme. The new themes are called No Boundary, Colour Fantasy, and, Cool Black (translated). The official English names for the new official themes haven’t been settled yet. The one permanent change noted in all themes is that the dock at the bottom now has only app logos, and is not accompanied with text names.

New features also include a new design on the lock screen, along with a shortcut that lets you activate the torch by swiping to the right on your lock screen. Useful and commonly used shortcuts like Mi Home, Mi Remote, Mi Pay, and Transport Card can be accessed from the lock screen as well. The Split screen feature that is a part of Android O this year, will be introduced in MIUI 9 as well.

Eligible Mi Devices with Android 7.0 that will get the split screen feature include Mi6, Mi MIX, Mi Note 2, Mi Max, Mi Max 2, Mi 5, and Redmi Note 4X. More will be added in due course. Some features like Child Mode, WiWide, Contact Card, and ShowTime have also been removed to simplify and optimise the ROM. Xiaomi claims that these features were found to be rarely used and redundant, and hence have been removed.

These are just some of the features highlighted by Xiaomi ahead of the launch, and more interesting new titbits will be unveiled at the event tomorrow.