Huawei’s newest innovation, the Mate XT trifold smartphone, is already making waves, with over 2.7 million pre-orders pouring in since Saturday, just days before Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 16 reveal. The surge in demand reflects Huawei’s growing influence in the competitive smartphone market, where the brand continues to push the boundaries of design and technology.
Pre-orders for the Mate XT began at midday, giving Huawei a strategic head start over Apple, which is set to unveil its iPhone 16 early Tuesday, Beijing time. Although Huawei has yet to disclose the pricing for the Mate XT, the device is scheduled to hit the shelves on September 20, creating significant buzz ahead of its official release.
This comes at a time when Apple is losing ground in China’s smartphone market. According to Canalys, Apple dropped out of the top five vendors in the country during the second quarter—a list now dominated by Chinese brands. Huawei claimed the fourth spot with 10.6 million smartphones shipped, a solid showing amid fierce competition.
While Apple’s global reputation remains strong, its absence in the foldable phone market is becoming more noticeable. Huawei, on the other hand, has already carved out a niche with its range of folding and flip smartphones, positioning itself as a leader in this growing segment. The Mate XT’s success could further widen the gap between Apple and Chinese smartphone makers, who are innovating at a rapid pace to capture market share.
As Huawei gears up for the official launch of the Mate XT, all eyes are on the company’s next move. The overwhelming pre-order response signals that consumers are ready for more advanced smartphone designs, and Huawei is more than ready to deliver.