Huawei’s latest smartphone has garnered over three million pre-orders, a significant accomplishment just ahead of the official launch of new products on Tuesday, aiming to rival Apple’s iPhone 16. The tech giant has been experiencing a resurgence with successful models like the Mate 60 Pro and Mate X5, despite facing US sanctions. The Mate XT tri-fold smartphone, which started pre-orders on Saturday, is expected to further showcase the company’s continued success.
Richard Yu, the chairman of Huawei’s consumer business, teased the introduction of new products on Chinese social media, hinting at a tri-fold phone that he described as an “epoch-making product” that they have been working on for five years. The product launch comes after Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 16 featuring generative AI, highlighting a new competitive wave in the Chinese premium market where Huawei is challenging Apple’s performance.
Huawei’s rumored new phone is speculated to have a double folding structure with a display size of over 10 inches, potentially bringing significant changes to the foldable smartphone market. Analysts anticipate that the success of the launch will depend on pricing, with expectations of a high price due to manufacturing costs and the phone’s premium positioning. Sales of Huawei’s flagship smartphones have shown promising growth despite US restrictions and bans.
US policymakers have raised concerns about Huawei posing a national security risk due to alleged ties to the Chinese government. The company has vehemently denied these allegations, yet faced restrictions on using Google’s Android OS, which initially impacted its smartphone business. Despite these challenges, Huawei has shown resilience and is making strides in various sectors, including electric vehicles and AI, positioning itself as a top competitor in the tech industry.
Huawei’s comeback signals a renewed competitive spirit in the Chinese tech market, with a focus on high-end products, software capabilities, and AI deployment. The company’s expansion into new ventures, such as electric vehicles and AI systems, demonstrates its ambition to diversify and compete against established players like Apple. With a strong focus on innovation and product development, Huawei aims to maintain its position as a global tech leader while navigating geopolitical challenges and restrictions.
