Huawei launches new foldable smartphone as competition with Xiaomi, Apple heats up

Apple unveils its latest iPhone series on Wednesday [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS Huawei launched ​a new version of its flagship foldable smartphone ‌on Monday as it seeks to defend ​its lead in the Chinese ⁠market for premium handsets against Apple and Xiaomi, both of which are also unveiling new products.The ‌new Mate XT2 folds out twice to open into a tablet-sized screen ‌and features Huawei’s new Kirin ‌9050 ⁠Pro chip.Huawei says the chip’s ⁠design allows it to deliver more computing power while using less electricity, helping the company overcome U.S. restrictions ​on access to ‌advanced technology.Xiaomi launched a rival foldable phone later on Monday, while Apple unveils its latest iPhone series on Wednesday, with expectations ‌high that it too will be ​unveiling a foldable phone.The Mate XT2 features a redesigned folding mechanism, improved water ⁠resistance as well as an optional screen that prevents people nearby from seeing what ‌is displayed. It also has upgraded cameras and delivers 42% better overall performance than its predecessor, based on company tests.Huawei, which does not sell in the U.S. due to sanctions, leads China’s smartphone ‌market with a 22.6% share in the second quarter, ​ahead of Apple’s 18.1%, according to consultancy IDC. Xiaomi has 12.4% ⁠of the market.Huawei is even more dominant ⁠in folding phones, accounting for 68% of shipments in China in the ‌second quarter, according to Smart Analytics Global, a U.S.-based research company. Published - September 08, 2026 10:05 am IST