- Huawei’s new Mate XT smartphone faces supply shortages, disappointing fans eager to purchase without pre-orders.
- Analysts highlight production constraints for key components, while Apple’s latest iPhone struggles to match Huawei’s domestic popularity.
OUR TAKE
Huawei’s Mate XT launch, while symbolically important, exposes serious production challenges that could hinder its mass appeal. Although the phone’s futuristic design has wowed many, its steep price and limited availability raise concerns about practicality. Meanwhile, Apple faces growing pressure in China, especially due to lagging AI capabilities.
–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter
What happened
Huawei’s highly anticipated Mate XT tri-foldable smartphone went on sale in China, but fans were left disappointed as only pre-order customers could purchase the device. At stores in major cities like Shenzhen and Beijing, buyers queued overnight, only to find out the phone was unavailable for walk-ins.
Analysts had warned of potential supply chain constraints, with key components such as the glass and hinges limiting production. Huawei reported over 6.5 million pre-orders, significantly higher than global shipments of foldable smartphones in Q2 2024.
Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max launched in China, though it struggled to compete with Huawei’s patriotic support. Despite the Mate XT’s success, its price—double that of Apple’s latest model—left some customers questioning its practicality. Apple is also facing challenges in the Chinese market, lacking a local AI partner to enhance its new products.
Also read: BTW debates: Huawei’s tri-fold gamble
Also read: Huawei triumphs with Mate XT but price sparks dismay
Why it’s important
The Mate XT’s release highlights Huawei’s resilience amidst ongoing U.S. sanctions, showcasing its ability to innovate with local chipsets. However, the current supply constraints raise questions about the scalability of such advanced devices.
The tri-foldable design, while groundbreaking, may not meet the practical needs of everyday consumers, especially at a steep price point. Foldable smartphones are still a niche market, and Huawei’s production bottlenecks underscore the challenges of mass-producing such complex technology.
Apple, on the other hand, seems to be losing ground in China, facing growing competition from domestic brands like Huawei, which are rapidly gaining market share thanks to both innovation and nationalistic sentiment.
Apple’s delay in integrating AI capabilities into its iPhones adds to its challenges, as local competitors are more agile in adopting cutting-edge technologies that appeal to Chinese consumers.
