Chinese tech titan Huawei has introduced the Mate XT, claiming it as the world’s first triple-folding smartphone. The announcement came on Tuesday, shortly after Apple revealed its latest AI-driven iPhone.
Huawei executive Richard Yu presented the Mate XT at a keynote event in Shenzhen. The phone, designed with a sleek red and gold finish, has already garnered significant interest, with over three million pre-registrations. It will be available for purchase starting September 20, with prices beginning at 19,999 yuan ($2,800).
Yu highlighted Huawei’s commitment to advancing foldable phone technology, stating, “Huawei has always been a leader in the foldable phone industry.” He emphasized the extensive efforts made to address challenges related to mass production and product reliability.
The launch of the Mate XT follows Apple’s unveiling of its iPhone 16, which is geared towards generative AI and aims to maintain its competitive edge in the tech market.
Huawei, currently China’s fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer, has seen a resurgence despite previous setbacks from US sanctions. The company, which was once the largest domestic smartphone maker, has been recovering with domestically-produced chips and remains a leader in the foldable phone segment in China.
Analysts suggest that while the Mate XT solidifies Huawei’s position as a foldable phone leader, its impact on Apple’s premium market share may be limited due to its high price and initial supply constraints.
