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Huawei and Xiaomi Launch New Foldables in Direct Challenge to Apple
Electronic Technology · Computer Communications · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-07
As Apple prepares to enter the foldable market, Huawei and Xiaomi have unveiled new flagship foldable devices to secure their foothold in the premium segment.
What Happened
New Product Unveiling: Huawei and Xiaomi simultaneously launched new foldable smartphones, with Huawei introducing its tri-fold 'Mate XT2' and Xiaomi debuting the 'Xiaomi 18 Fold'. Despite high price points, Huawei's new model has already seen strong demand, with initial pre-order batches selling out completely.
Technical Advancements: Both companies are emphasizing self-reliance by equipping their new devices with proprietary chips, such as Huawei's 'Kirin 9050 Pro' and Xiaomi's 'Xring O3'. This move highlights the accelerating trend of Chinese manufacturers integrating domestic semiconductor technology into their flagship products.
Strategic Positioning: The simultaneous release is seen as a preemptive strike against Apple's expected entry into the foldable smartphone market. By targeting the high-end segment, these firms aim to navigate the broader smartphone market downturn while bolstering their brand prestige and profitability.
Market Outlook: Industry analysts suggest that Apple's eventual entry into the foldable space will likely expand the overall market and stimulate demand for competitors' devices as well. Apple's massive premium user base is expected to act as a catalyst for the mainstream adoption of foldable technology.