Xiaomi might want to rapidly reconsider its choice for the fast charging icon on MIUI 11

The latest updates brought by MIUI 11 from Xiaomi include new ambient display themes, natural alarm sounds, persistent notification icons, and many more upgrades and fixes. Unfortunately, one rather seemingly innocuous update has the potential to offend many Xiaomi smartphone owners. The charging symbol has been altered, and now it resembles the runic insignia utilized by the Schutzstaffel, notoriously better known as the SS - Adolf Hitler's "Protection Squadron".

Previously, the charging icon was conveniently placed over the icon for the battery. However, it appears Xiaomi wants to stress that the most modern smartphones in its range, such as the Xiaomi Mi 9 series, enjoy fast-charging technology – so one lightning bolt symbol simply won’t suffice. Users will now notice two lightning strike symbols joined together, which for many will evoke memory of the SS logo used by the paramilitary organization that was mainly responsible for the murder of millions of civilians during the Second World War.

Arguably, what’s even more unfortunate is that the SS insignia was inspired by two “sig” runes that symbolized victory, which were deliberately redesigned to also look like lightning bolts. At the moment, it seems there is an even split between those that see the resemblance and those that don’t. However, it is very noticeable once seen (in the writer’s case, with a Xiaomi Mi 9 SE), and it may warrant a quick software update being issued by Xiaomi to avoid offense.