Although Xiaomi has just released a step-up flagship, the Mi 5s, it is said that its lineup follow-up, the Mi 6, is already in development.

According to GSM Arena, alleged photos of what purportedly is a prototype of the next-gen Xiaomi flagship, the Mi 6, have appeared online. Although the images did not denote what the showcased iteration is, it is believed that it will be the next flagship release for the China-based tech maker. A Mi 6 is certainly possible since the device in question bears a resemblance to the flagship design of the Mi 5.

The device shown in the picture has a physical home button in the lower part of the front panel, where a supposed fingerprint scanner is also located. The back panel pictured in the supposed leaks bear a similar design to the flagship features of the Mi 5, although there are subtle changes like a two-tone skin, akin to Apple's iPhone 5s. Additionally, the images are not close to the next flagship release on schedule, the Mi Note 2. The upcoming iteration is much larger than what is pictured on the leaked images.

However, it remains to be seen if Xiaomi will confirm that the Mi 6 is already in the pipeline. The company has yet to come out with solid sales numbers for its recently-released Mi 5s step-up flagship. Also, as a full lineup, it is expected that Xiaomi will assemble a Mi 5c first before having a Mi 6 follow-up.

In fact, rumors of the Mi 5c in development are more likely closer to a release schedule than the Mi 6. Recent supposed leaks on the upcoming step-down Mi 5 follow-up have already made their way online, highlighting supposed features of the new iteration. It is said that following Mi 5s, a Mi 5c release may already be in line for a late 2016 launch.