Xiaomi began as a software company creating customized Android-based operating systems and gained popularity with over 30 million users of its MIUI software by 2014. It then expanded into hardware production, launching its first smartphone in 2011. While Xiaomi's user interface was inspired by Apple, leading to controversy, the company has grown to become the 4th largest smartphone manufacturer in China and now also produces smart TVs, routers, power banks and headphones, challenging Samsung and Apple in various product categories beyond smartphones.