Huawei has unveiled its latest innovation, the Mate XT, a tri-fold smartphone priced at $2,800, set to launch on September 20, the same day as Apple’s new iPhone 16 series. This announcement places Huawei in direct competition with Apple in its largest market, China, where Apple faces increasing challenges.
The Mate XT introduces several cutting-edge features, including a 10.2-inch screen that expands into a tri-fold design and a foldable keyboard. It integrates advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, such as real-time text translation and cloud-based content generation, setting it apart in the crowded smartphone market. This new device represents the first mainstream tri-fold smartphone, pushing the envelope on what is possible in mobile technology.
Apple, on the other hand, is rolling out its iPhone 16 series, which includes the Pro Max model starting at $1,199. The iPhone 16 is equipped with the new A18 chip, promising significant improvements in performance and efficiency. Despite these advancements, Apple is facing mounting pressure from competitors in China.
Huawei has continued to innovate despite facing stringent U.S. sanctions. The recent release of the Mate 60 Pro, featuring a 7-nanometer chip, has seen considerable success in China, reflecting growing consumer interest in Huawei’s technology. This success is further evidenced by Huawei’s increasing market share in China, where it has managed to surpass Apple. According to Canalys, Apple was excluded from the top five smartphone vendors in China for the first time in the second quarter. Apple’s market share in China dropped to 14% in this period, down from 15% in the previous quarter and 16% a year earlier. This decline underscores the intensifying competition from domestic brands like Huawei.
Huawei’s new Mate XT is expected to exacerbate these challenges for Apple. The tri-fold design and AI features cater to the high-end market segment that values innovation and cutting-edge technology, making it a strong competitor to Apple’s offerings. The launch of this device highlights a broader trend where Chinese tech giants are not only recovering from international trade constraints but also making significant inroads into Apple’s core markets.