Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies has unveiled another triple-folding smartphone, the Mate XT2, which is powered by chips not subject to U.S. supply restrictions. This news comes just ahead of the annual launch of Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones.
The Mate XT2, announced on Monday by Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer electronics business group, is the second version of the company’s tri-fold smartphone, initially introduced in 2024. The device is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Pro chip, with prices starting at 19,999 yuan ($2,980) for the 256GB model and rising to 24,999 yuan ($3724.91) for the 1TB version featuring a privacy screen, reported Nikkei Asia.
Yu highlighted the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset’s Linxi Core CPU, Maleoon GPU and Da Vinci NPU, all developed by Huawei, as well as the company’s Balong modem. “We not only have strong CPUs and GPUs, we also have very strong NPU technologies that can support AI computing on the device,” Yu stated at the launch event.
Huawei unveiled its first smartphone in six years with an in-house-designed core chipset. The Mate XT2 uses chips developed under Huawei’s Tau Scaling Law, aimed at overcoming U.S. restrictions and advancing China’s push for domestic 7nm and 5nm chip production.
Yu further noted that the latest chipset can run AI models with up to 3 billion parameters directly on the device, while delivering 42% higher overall computing performance than its predecessor.
Later in the day, Xiaomi unveiled its new 18 Fold smartphone in China, measuring just 5.02mm unfolded and 10.68mm folded, with a weight of 219 grams.
Apple Faces High-Stakes iPhone Test
Notably, these launches come in barely two days before the Apple Event. Apple’s premium-only iPhone launch will test new CEO John Ternus’ strategy, with JPMorgan expecting higher prices and delayed mainstream models. Investors will watch whether consumers accept pricier devices, potentially boosting margins, or wait for cheaper models arriving in spring 2027.
Previously, Rothschild & Co. upgraded Apple to Buy, raising its price target to $400, citing the underappreciated potential of a foldable iPhone. The analyst expects 14 million units in fiscal 2027 and an 11% boost to iPhone average selling prices.
The launch of Huawei’s Mate XT2 comes at a critical time when the smartphone industry is facing one of its toughest years. IDC (International Data Corp.) has significantly reduced its 2026 global smartphone shipment forecast, expecting a 16.7% year-over-year fall in 2026, a more severe decline than its previous forecast of 13.9%.
This downturn is increasingly concentrated in market segments that Apple barely serves, setting the stage for market share gains almost everywhere except China, where Huawei’s resurgence could pose a challenge.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Huawei-Photo via Shutterstock
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