Huawei Technologies of China introduced its latest tri-foldable smartphone on Tuesday, just hours after Apple launched a new iPhone model designed for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications as it seeks to expand its lead in the world's biggest smartphone market and steal the spotlight from Apple.
The Mate XT was revealed at a launch event in Shenzhen, a
prominent technology hub in China, highlighting its unique capability to fold
in three different ways, resembling an accordion.
"Today, we present a product that many have envisioned
but few have been able to create. Our team has dedicated five years to this
project without losing hope," stated Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu
during the event, as reported by Reuters.
"Once again, we are set to redefine the industry's
landscape, transforming science fiction into reality and ushering in a new era
of foldable devices," he continued.
The Mate XT, priced at approximately $2,800, is equipped
with an AI assistant that offers features such as article summaries,
translations, and photo editing, as detailed on Huawei’s product page.
Available in black and red, it boasts a 10.2-inch display with a 3K high
resolution, according to the company.
"Huawei’s state-of-the-art three-fold large screen can
be easily folded and unfolded, and its composite ultra-tough laminated
structure ensures it remains slim yet durable, ready to tackle any
challenge," the company stated online.
As of midday Tuesday, over 4.6 million units had been
preordered, according to the company's website.
The announcement from the Chinese technology leader occurred
mere hours after Apple introduced a range of new products during its annual
launch event in California, which featured the iPhone 16 series. Similar to the
Mate XT, this new lineup incorporates various AI capabilities powered by the
company's proprietary software, “Apple Intelligence.”
Apple's latest iPhone series signifies the company's formal
entry into the AI domain as it strives to remain at the forefront of this
rapidly evolving technology, competing with other major players in the
industry.
Additionally, Apple presented the new Series 10 Watch and
updated AirPods models, both equipped with innovative features aimed at
addressing health concerns.
Huawei has faced a challenging relationship with U.S.
regulators, who imposed sanctions on the firm in 2019. In 2022, the U.S.
government prohibited companies from engaging in business with Huawei,
effectively severing its access to essential chips and software, including
Google services for its smartphones, and restricting its ability to sell
telecommunications products to American consumers.
In 2022, the FBI discovered that Huawei equipment installed
on cell towers in the Midwest posed a risk of interfering with Department of
Defense communications, including those related to the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
Later that year, the Department of Justice charged two alleged Chinese
intelligence officers with attempting to hinder a criminal investigation into
Huawei.
Despite these sanctions, the Shenzhen-based firm reported a
net profit of 87 billion yuan (approximately $12 billion) last year.