On Tuesday, Huawei held a global launch event for what it claims is the world’s first tri-foldable phone, a move analysts have described as a significant achievement for the company, especially in light of ongoing U.S. technology restrictions. However, challenges related to pricing, durability, supply chain issues, and app limitations may impact its overall success.
The Huawei Mate XT, which was first introduced in China five months ago, was launched in Kuala Lumpur and will be priced at 3,499 euros ($3,662). Despite being called a “trifold,” the phone features three smaller panels and folds only twice. Huawei has stated that it is the thinnest foldable phone on the market, measuring just 3.6 millimeters (0.14 inches) thick, and it boasts a 10.2-inch display, similar to an iPad.
Bryan Ma, vice president of device research at International Data Corporation, commented that Huawei is currently leading the way in innovation with this trifold design.
Huawei has achieved this success despite significant obstacles, such as not having access to chips and Google services. Bryan Ma noted that these challenges have acted as major roadblocks for the company. He added that the progress Huawei has made over the past year is a significant achievement and a notable victory for the company.
Huawei, China’s leading global tech brand, finds itself at the heart of a trade and technology dispute between the U.S. and China. In 2019, the U.S. cut off Huawei’s access to American components and technologies, including key Google services such as music and other smartphone features, which significantly reduced the appeal of Huawei’s phones. The U.S. also prohibited global suppliers from using American technology to produce components for Huawei.
U.S. officials claim that Huawei poses a security threat, a charge the company denies. Meanwhile, the Chinese government accuses the U.S. of using security concerns as a tactic to suppress Huawei and limit its competition with American tech firms.
Huawei launched its Mate XT in China on September 20 last year, the same day Apple introduced its iPhone 16 series to global markets. However, due to its high price, the Mate XT is not expected to be a mainstream product, with Bryan Ma noting that it’s unlikely to attract widespread consumer interest.
At the Kuala Lumpur event, Huawei also introduced its MatePad Pro tablet, Free Arc open-ear earbuds with ear hooks, and other wearable devices.
While these innovative products highlight Huawei’s technological expertise, the company’s long-term success is uncertain due to persistent challenges related to global supply chain issues, chip availability, and limitations in its software ecosystem, according to Ruby Lu, an analyst at TrendForce.
Lu pointed out that the lack of Google Mobile Services significantly limits Huawei’s potential in international markets.
According to Bryan Ma from IDC, Huawei led the foldable phone market in China in 2024, with a 49% market share. Globally, the company held 23% of the market, trailing behind Samsung, which held a 33% share. IDC forecasts that global foldable phone shipments could rise to 45.7 million units by 2028, up from over 20 million last year.
While several major brands have entered the foldable phone market, Lu noted that Apple has yet to release a competing product. Once Apple does enter the market, Lu predicts it will significantly influence and drive further growth in the foldable phone sector.